Stress Relief For Seniors - Aging

As a senior grows into their retirement, major stressful concerns are the aging process.

In many cases it will be the gradual losing of strength so that you can't open a lid or a diminishing of the major senses. Exercise and an active life are key to maintaining a level of fitness that is compatible with your lifestyle. Continue to do sports or go dancing. If you don't do things like that then start developing an active life. On the mental side, keep an active social life. This may be harder as you get older but there are always support networks that you can turn to. Isolation leads to depression and anxiety.

Another common concern of the aging process is a concern over independence and institutionalisation. Many people do not want to spend their time in an 'old folks' home. Don't be afraid to express this concern to family or friends. Don't bottle up any worries or concerns, better to express the concern and find an outlet for it.

Bereavement of a spouse or loved one is a common cause of stress and anxiety. Common reactions to the loss are denial, anger, depression and acceptance. This process to acceptance is known as grieving. The spouse that is left behind can suffer from insomnia, lack of appetite, depression, emotional numbness, bewilderment. They can feel guilty or hallucinate that the loved one is still there. In fact, there is a range of states that they can feel that can cause stress and lead to ill health.

Managing this distress can take four stages.

Acceptance that the loved one is gone - Generally, the funeral has been societies way of ritualising this acceptance. The coming together of family and friends is a chance to celebrate the life of the lived one. It can help to allow the spouse to accept the reality of the situation.

Dealing with the continuing emotional pain – Being able to express this pain is the best way to deal with it. Either by discussing things that you remember about your spouse or by discussing things that you are missing can be a good way to heal the pain. Using your sons, daughters, other family members or support networks as sounding boards for your thoughts and feelings.

Adjustment – Coming to terms with the new reality that does not involve your spouse. Simple things like food shopping or watching certain television programs will be different. More profound things might be moving into smaller accomodation. Seek support and advice from people in facing these new situations.

Moving on – Finding new things to fill your life with. Over time you will have to develop new attachments that can replace the emotional support you received and gave to your spouse. Although it will be hard, you have to try to fulfill emotion needs elsewhere. A common way to do this is to take a pet. Other ways may be to get involved in community or church projects. Another way might be to get more involved with your sons/daughters family. You could look after the grandchildren more often or visit them more often.

Most stress related to retiring is adapting to the change in your lifestyle. In most cases remaining active and involved in the community is the best approach to take. Isolation and loneliness lead to problems of depression and anxiety, that compound onto one another if they are not tackled. Dealing with bereavement is never easy for anyone no matter their age. Support for your changed circumstance and an outlet for expression of grief is vital in coming to terms with this event.

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