Why Are Major Life Changes Stressful for Seniors?

Did you know that 44% of seniors feel stressed? While the aging process can bring some rewarding changes, it can also bring challenges that are hard for seniors in Atlantic, Iowa, to process. And seniors don't want to miss out on enjoying the small-town charm and pastoral scenery that Atlantic offers.

Why are major life changes stressful? Read this guide to learn more about the implications of life changes and how seniors can navigate them more effectively.

Identify Common Sources of Stress

As seniors make big life transitions, they also encounter new situations that can cause stress. Seniors may move to a new living community, for example, which can trigger a fear of the unknown. Or they could feel anxiety if a family members moves out of town.

Ultimately, seniors can be faced with stressors that impact their ability to function normally. Common stressors include:

Difficult medical diagnoses
The loss of a spouse or loved one
Worsening vision or hearing
A lack of independence

Seniors could be concerned about the effects of declining mobility. Simple actions, like walking to dinner or standing up, can become more difficult due to aging or injuries. And the inability to move easily can lead to frustration.

Worse yet, limited mobility or declining hearing and vision could mean seniors are less likely to engage in social activities. After all, it's easier to stay home with limited mobility.

For seniors who've recently lost a spouse, charting a new path without a beloved partner can feel impossible. A widow won't have a trusted companion, and they may need to take on new responsibilities, like managing finances or cooking meals.

Seniors could feel reluctant to leave their apartment or interact with others. And these chronic stressors can contribute to ongoing feelings of loneliness.

Additionally, some seniors may worry that they are too dependent on others. When seniors have been used to living independently or having assistance from a spouse, losing that consistency can be difficult.

Know Why Stress Affects Seniors Differently

While younger populations often can rebound from stressful situations quickly, the same is not always true for seniors. Seniors have the added challenges of:

Less effective immune systems
Sleeping problems
Existing health issues

Many seniors are already battling health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. Stress can exacerbate these conditions, making them harder to manage.

Seniors also tend to experience more sleep disruptions as they age. With the addition of a stressful experience, those interrupted nights of sleep can get even worse. As a result, seniors won't feel as energetic and focused when they wake up each morning to face the day.

Additionally, seniors see a decline in their body's immune system as a natural consequence of the aging process. This means that seniors will be more prone to catching illnesses. Stressful experiences can compound this problem, weakening the immune system even more.

Understand the Health Impact of Stress

Yes, stress can be a common problem for all adults. But it's critical not to ignore the health implications that come with unmanaged stress. Without intervention, stress can be a crippling presence in a senior's life.

Stress can hurt both physical and mental health, and seniors are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Left untreated, stress can cause:

High blood pressure
Anxiety and depression
A higher risk of dementia

Seniors unable to cope with a sudden loss or diagnosis may retreat from family and friends. They could feel anxious about broaching the topic or seeming insecure in public settings. And this emotional change can trigger other, more debilitating problems.

Some seniors may battle depression as a result of a significant loss, for instance. This chronic problem can lead to isolation and erratic behavior. And some seniors may struggle to complete tasks like cleaning or cooking when experiencing a depressive episode.

If a senior avoids interacting with others, the isolation can take a toll on their physical health, as well. Sitting alone in an apartment means that a senior will not be getting the physical activity they need each day. A sedentary lifestyle can cause high blood pressure and elevate the risk of stroke.

Further, stress can harm the brain's ability to function normally. Elevated cortisol levels in the brain can impair cognitive functioning. And that can raise the risk of dementia, too.

Focus on Resilience Strategies

Seniors don't have to give up when they're met with a difficult life change. Instead, seniors must learn strategies to process their experiences and sustain their health. Seniors should:

Rely on their social network for support
Prioritize self-care
Stay active
Seek professional help as needed

Seeking senior support is an essential component of coping. At any age, moving forward after a stressful experience isn't easy. But for seniors, it's especially important to have a network of caregivers and trusted family members surrounding them.

Sometimes professional help from a therapist can be beneficial, too. These individuals offer a neutral sounding board and source of advice. Seniors concerned about burdening friends with long conversations may want to meet with a counselor.

Activities like walking can offer quiet spaces for seniors to reflect or decompress. Walking can keep blood pressure under control and enhance physical health. It also offers a chance to engage in socialization with a friend or family member.

Other supportive actions for aging and stress can include focusing on mindfulness at the start of each day. Meditating and practicing breathing exercises can contribute to greater mental clarity. These activities can be a useful form of self-care that helps seniors move through the challenging times that come with aging.