Helping Seniors Cope Through Difficult Times

It’s a safe bet that many seniors believe we’re going through some of the most stressful times they’ve ever experienced. Between anxiety about governmental policies, financial uncertainty, and an overburdened healthcare system, older adults are feeling the strain. Current conditions aren’t what most seniors dreamed of for their “golden years.” However, many services and strategies can ease the often-unpredictable journey of aging.

 Let’s start with the strengths

Older people are a pretty content group. Although the US dropped eight spots in its overall happiness rank in a recent study reported by AARP, Americans in the oldest age group — 60-plus— reported feeling happier than any other sector.

Elders’ real superpower is their ability to be flexible and roll with the punches. “This resilience with aging is what gives seniors an edge, according to the ‘Psychiatric Times.’ The wisdom of their experience preserves their ability to adapt and react to the changes around them. Their unique resilience was evident during COVID-19 when seniors defied expectations and displayed a stronger mettle than younger generations.”

Seven stress-reducing strategies

When people are stressed, some go inward. But the truth is, the more one reaches out for services and support, the better prepared they are to weather challenging times. None of the points below is new, but taken as a whole and applied consistently, they help most people reduce the anxiety that often accompanies uncertainty.

1. Seek financial expertise. Although everyone’s situation is unique, guidance is available for people of every stripe. If an older adult owns stock and has a good number of resources, they should turn to the experts they have access to. These pros can help individuals create plans for the future, depending on their age, how long they need their funds to last, and more.

   There’s a range of highly rated apps to come to the rescue as people aim to sharpen their approach to personal finances. A few of the best ones include Monarch, YNAB, and Quicken Simplify (rated the #1 personal finance app by the “New York Times”). And people can always rely on guidance from Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.

2. Stay social. While there’s a range of desire for spending time with others, human beings are decidedly social creatures. Staving off loneliness can be critical to reducing stress. The American Psychological Association says spending time with friends and family offers many pluses—including better cognition and enhanced memory recall. Socialization boosts mood and is linked to healthy behaviors, including exercise.
3. And speaking of exercise. As you’ve likely heard, exercise relieves stress in myriad ways. It’s a “miracle drug” that invites the release of endorphins, which enhance mood while lessening many kinds of pain. By decreasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, exercise promotes relaxation. And the list goes on: other benefits often include better sleep and reduced muscle tension. AARP has a fairly comprehensive set of easy 10-minute exercise mini-programs — free to members.
4. Maintain independence at a realistic level. Seniors have to face certain losses as they age; it’s inevitable. In some ways, becoming an “elder” is like adopting a new identity. All the more reason to help seniors do what they can. Here’s another place where Right at Home Boston Metro West provides assistance, support, and a helpful perspective.
5. Meditation — free and fabulous. Meditation cascades with benefits. There are many forms of this practice, most of which can be found free on YouTube. In brief, meditation is a mind-body practice that helps people relax, destress, and so much more. One theory about why it can be life-changing is that it lessens the activity generated by the parasympathetic nervous system. The payoff: muscle relaxation, lower blood pressure, and slower breathing. Three of the top practitioners are Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
6. Be good to your body. When older adults (and everyone else) are mindful about the food they consume and ensure they drink enough water, they naturally feel better. For example, a lack of water can cause headaches, constipation, low energy and even moodiness.
7. Seek help, remain curious and ask questions. The good news is that most people want to help. Does an older person require guidance understanding a bill? Are they looking for ways to save money, learn about local activities, and meet new friends? Older adults will find a senior center and/or office of adult services in most if not all of the towns served by Right at Home Boston Metro West. Our service area covers Brookline, Framingham, Needham, Newton, Sudbury, Waltham, Weston, and Wellsley.

And last, our compassionate caregivers are a trusted source of companionship, knowledge and support. Call us anytime at (617)-597-1500.