According to a study conducted by the American Institute of Stress, 44% of older adults between the ages of 50 and 80 reported having feelings of stress. Aging comes with major transitions, some positive and others that may require some time to adjust to.
It's not uncommon for seniors in Athens, Tennessee, to experience feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and loneliness as they encounter major life transitions like health concerns and loss of loved ones.
Why are major life changes stressful for seniors? Let's learn more about these transitions and how they affect aging adults. We'll also discuss ways in which family members can provide support.
Older adults in the TerraBella Athens senior living community have most likely experienced a lot of stressors during their lives. This may have helped them develop resilience. However, seniors continue to go through life transitions that may be too difficult to deal with.
Transitions are likely to be more stressful to older adults compared to younger people because of the psychological, social, and physical changes that come with aging. Significant life changes can affect independence, interrupt daily routines, and cause feelings of loneliness.
Below are some significant life changes experienced by seniors and how they affect emotional wellness in aging:
As you grow older, you're likely to lose most of the people close to you. Additionally, since you're no longer able to drive often, you may lose touch with some of your loved ones. This, in turn, leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which contribute to stress in seniors.
For most older adults, loss of independence is a significant stressor. It's normal to worry about whether you'll be able to go about your daily duties independently or will have to rely on others. After years of being self-sufficient and being able to fend for yourself, the transition to being dependent on a loved one may be stressful.
At TerraBella Athens, seniors can get all the help they need, including:
As you age, your likelihood of developing health concerns increases. Conditions such as stroke, dementia, and heart attacks are more prevalent among older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, chronic illness is among the leading causes of stress among seniors.
It's common for older adults to worry about the effects of chronic illnesses on their independence and quality of life.
Most seniors living in TerraBella, Athens, TN, are already retired, either voluntarily or because they're no longer able to continue working. Most of these aging adults depend on social security checks and limited fixed income to cater to their needs. For this reason, worrying about how to cope with less income is a significant cause of concern for seniors in Athens, TN.
The transition to an assisted living community in Athens, TN, can cause anxiety and stress to aging adults. This move is likely to worsen their depression and lead to a lack of motivation and increased confusion.
It may be challenging to find the right ways to help your family members and friends as they go through major senior transitions. Offering your assistance and understanding during this difficult time is essential for their emotional well-being.
Here are some of the ways you can assist seniors in coping with change:
The first thing you should do when dealing with older adults going through significant life transitions is acknowledge their feelings. The mix of emotions that come with losing a loved one, dealing with health concerns, and retirement may be overwhelming.
Validating their emotions and listening to their concerns attentively without judgment provides seniors with great comfort. Reassure them that it's okay to feel fearful, anxious, or sad. Providing older adults in Athens, TN, with emotional support and encouraging them to have open conversations can help them feel understood.
Most older individuals experiencing significant life changes are likely to be socially isolated. Encourage your loved ones to visit their friends often or have regular video chats and phone calls to maintain social connections.
Besides, you can talk to your elderly family member or friend about joining a senior living community in Athens, TN. In these communities, aging adults interact with their peers and get a sense of purpose and emotional comfort during these challenging times.
TerraBella Athens has a myriad of activities that residents can take part in, including the following:
Major senior transitions can affect their mental and physical health. It's vital that you help them develop healthy routines to improve their emotional wellness. Some of the healthy practices you should encourage seniors to adopt include:
Regular physical activity among seniors can improve their overall health, reduce stress, and boost their mood. Furthermore, activities such as journaling, reading, and playing puzzles can assist in their mental health.
As much as emotional support is essential, seniors also require help carrying out their day-to-day activities. This involves tasks like managing finances, going through personal belongings, and arranging doctor appointments.
Offer to assist with running errands and household chores to ease their burden and reduce anxiety and stress.
Why are major life changes stressful for seniors? Senior transitions such as retirement, health concerns, and loss of loved ones can present psychological challenges to older adults living in Athens, TN. With the right approach, you can assist your loved ones in coping with change easily.
TerraBella Athens provides personal care to individuals looking for support in their daily activities. We have a variety of engaging activities, including social outings, worship services, and crafts, to encourage seniors to connect and interact with each other.
Contact us today to experience the peace of mind and comfort that comes with quality senior living.