Stress and Seniors: How Stress Impacts Physical Health
Stress is a problem at any age, but it’s particularly concerning for seniors. That’s because as we age, our bodies become less able to recover from stress. And although we experience stress as an emotional feeling, it causes physical changes in our bodies. Here’s how stress impacts your physical health, and what you can do to help.
Many Seniors Are Stressed
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, the first thing you should know is it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Stress is common among seniors. You may be dealing with loneliness from moving or losing loved ones. You may have caregiving responsibilities for your spouse. Or you may have a difficult time adjusting after retiring. Additionally, you may have health problems or financial difficulties that make you worry about the future. It can be a lot for anyone to deal with.
Stress and Aging
Did you know that stress can cause the cells in your body to age faster? One study found that among women, those who had high stress levels had immune cells with a physical age 10 years higher than those of women with low stress levels. And that’s important, because our cells can only replicate a finite number of times. The younger we can keep our cells, the younger and more resilient our entire bodies will be.
Conditions Linked to Stress
When we are stressed, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, our heart rates speed up, our muscles tense, our stomachs become upset, and our blood pressure rises. Over time, those stress responses can create real changes in our physical health.
Just a few of the physical conditions linked to high levels of stress include insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal diseases. In short, having high levels of stress impacts your entire body and leaves you vulnerable to a multitude of health conditions and diseases.
So What Can You Do?
We know it’s not as simple as just deciding not to be stressed anymore. The issues causing stress for seniors are very real and often out of their control. And just feeling like you don’t have control over your life can be stressful in itself, too! Although you may not be able to eliminate the causes of your stress, there are things you can do to help you cope and relieve the physical tension in your body.
Exercising is an excellent place to start. In fact, seniors who are able to stay fit report lower levels of stress. And exercise triggers your body to release endorphins, which help you feel less stressed, too. Furthermore, exercise actually counteracts some of the physical effects of stress.
Other ways to manage stress include:
Meditation
Mindfulness Exercises
Therapy
Yoga
Support Groups
Connecting with friends and family
Adopting a pet
Engaging in hobbies
We all experience stress as we age, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it as an inevitable part of aging. If you are feeling stressed, try adopting a regular exercise routine, making an effort to socialize with family and friends (or make new ones!), and making time for hobbies you enjoy. Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist or other mental health professional if your stress levels become overwhelming.
At Normandy Living, the well-being of our residents is paramount. We offer an array of social and recreational activities, as well as off-site programming of activities and excursions to help you find joy and relieve stress.
Are you interested in joining an independent living community that supports vibrant aging? Register your interest today for priority consideration.
