Like all generations, the later years of life can be a mix of joyful moments versus down days. While retirement years are meant for relaxation and time spent with loved ones, elderly adults can also face unique stressors.
In one Statista survey, 44% of adults aged 50-80 reported feeling stressed for several days or more within the past two weeks. There is a direct relationship between stress, aging and mental health, which all older adults, their families and caregivers should be aware of and be actively monitoring. Here’s what you need to know about the connections between stress and the elderly.
Causes of Stress for Older Adults
Stress is the body’s response to external situations. When our body senses a stressor, it releases a surge of hormones to trigger our fight or flight. Nowadays, most stressors are psychological and can arise from everyday life.
For seniors, many of the same factors that cause stress when you’re younger are still at play. Mental health in older adults is shaped by habits and environments not only in the present, but also earlier in life.
As we age, specific stressors also arise. Seniors deal with many life changes – from retirement to the loss of a partner or spouse – that can seriously affect their mental health. Seniors may have to deal with loss of income, increased caregiving responsibilities for a spouse, more loneliness and isolation, chronic illnesses and disabilities, and a reduced sense of purpose. Stressors can be small or large, but often build up over time and shouldn’t be ignored.
Effects of Stress on Older Immune Systems
Stress immediately impacts the immune system, deregulating it and throwing it off balance. When someone feels stressed, the body releases a surge of hormones to help prepare the body to handle what’s to come, including cortisol. This stress hormone increases clotting and inflammatory compounds to help prepare the body for an injury. But sometimes, our body doesn’t know the difference between stress that comes from an injury versus those we face mentally and emotionally.
- Increased Inflammation
As we get older, the cortisol released becomes stronger and takes longer to diminish. The inflammation that responds to cortisol can lead to more health problems when it becomes a constant, such as dementia, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Increased Blood Pressure
As a result of stress, the body also releases adrenaline to give the body a boost of energy. This increases the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar, which can all increase the risk of stroke or a heart attack.
Additionally, many common medications taken by elderly patients may play a role in their ability to manage stress. For example, amphetamines are known to increase stress responses.
How Stress Affects Cognitive Function
Stress can accelerate the aging process itself not only physically but psychologically, too. We all know how stress and the brain are intrinsically linked. When we stress, we’re more likely to be anxious, worried, frustrated and even depressed.
Higher cortisol levels can negatively affect the connection of neurons in the brain, affecting your cognitive ability. For instance, when your brain tells your body to stand up, it may take longer for that message to reach your legs. When dealing with chronic stress and high levels of cortisol, it can increase the risk of developing dementia and even paranoia in elderly.
Healthy Coping for Stress
Stress is a fact of life. The key is to try to lower those stressors whenever possible and take care of yourself, which helps manage the stress. Here are some ways to manage stress:
- Exercise regularly. This reduces cortisol levels, reduces blood pressure, improves mobility and combats chronic pain.
- Get outside. Surrounding yourself with nature and getting some fresh air can lift your spirits.
- Keep up with social connections. Lonely elderly are more likely to face mental health issues.
- Practice mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help reframe situations and calm the nervous system.
- Eat well to boost your immune system and combat inflammation.
- Prioritize sleep to allow your body and mind to take a break and repair itself.
Companion and Dementia Care Assistance
There is a direct link between stress and the elderly, but it doesn’t need to affect quality of life. At FirstLight Home Care, we can help reduce everyday stressors by providing older adults with support and guidance to maintain their independence.
From help with dressing and meals to providing transport to visit friends or head to a doctor’s appointment, our caregivers are ready to give their all to help older adults feel confident remaining at home. Reach out to your local office to request home care pricing for you or a loved one.