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While stress can affect anyone, older adults are more likely to deal with stressors that are linked to their changing health or circumstances. In order to handle these stressors, it’s important to understand how to identify them. Once you’ve learned how to deal with your stressors, you can improve your mental health and have the happiness you deserve.
Health-Related Changes
Aging can take a toll on the body, and there are certain diseases that seniors are likely to deal with as they age; these can include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can be difficult to hear that you have any of these diseases, especially if you have always enjoyed good health. If you’re having trouble coping with a chronic illness, Harvard Health suggests learning as much as you can about your medical condition and maintaining an open channel of communication with your doctor. It will be helpful if you have a support system of loved ones who can come to your aid whenever necessary. Some chronic illnesses require a significant change in diet or physical activity, so make sure you factor those into your plan as well.
Work-Related Changes
Another common stressor for older adults revolves around work. Whether you’re retiring or find yourself needing to work after retirement, both of those scenarios can be stressful. According to Business Insider, more seniors are finding it financially necessary to work in their golden years but are struggling with the limitations imposed by their health or mobility. For seniors struggling with retirement, it might be helpful to build your own daily structure to replace the job schedule you used to have. You can fill your days with volunteer work spending time with your friends. If you’re more interested in bringing in an income after retirement, then consider flexible jobs that match your current abilities. With the right job, you might not be under as much stress.
Dependence-Related Changes
Over time, some older adults may develop health challenges that lead to depending on others more than they used to. This can be a blow to a senior’s independence and isn’t an easy change to make. One common health change is mobility, and this can affect how you maintain balance and move around. You may also feel dizzy more often, which makes you more prone to falling. In this case, Comfort Keepers suggests keeping physically active to work on your balance and investing in mobility aids. You should also make sure your home is free from trip hazards so you don’t injure yourself and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. Consider getting a caregiver if you’re having difficulty with everyday tasks like cooking and running errands. It might take some getting used to, but having a caregiver can be a great help.
Funeral Planning
Planning for your funeral can be a difficult process, but it’s crucial that you do so for the sake of your family. A well-planned funeral will allow your loved ones to grieve properly without having to worry about the details and costs. Be sure to take into account what type of ceremony, eulogy, and service you would like. To cover the costs of your funeral, you may want to take out a final expense insurance policy. This insurance can cover your funeral and even some medical expenses and other debts you leave behind. In order to select the best policy, research reliable companies like Lincoln Heritage with high BBB ratings.
When to Seek Help
It’s normal to feel stressed about the changes discussed above, but if it’s disrupting your life, it might be something more. Feeling overly anxious or deeply saddened can be signs of anxiety or depression and requires the intervention of a mental health professional. If you’re wondering if your health plan will cover mental health services, then look into Medicare Part B plans, as they will cover psychiatric care and counseling. The plan also covers an annual depression screening that can be done by your primary physician. If you get the help you need quickly, you can go back to living your life in no time.
Living as an older adult comes with its own kind of stressors, but there are also solutions for handling them effectively. Whatever you may be dealing with, it helps to be informed and consult with your doctor whenever you have concerns. Don’t forget to keep your friends and loved ones close, as having a supportive base can make all the difference in the world.
Many thanks to our good friend Hazel Bridges of Aging Wellness for researching this read for our Regency Audience!
Photo: Courtesy of Pixabay
