Stress vs. Anxiety in Seniors: Key Differences and How to Cope
According to the American Psychiatric Association's annual mental health poll, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year, with many attributing their anxiety to stress. However, only 24% of adults reported talking to a mental health care professional in the last year.
What exactly is the difference between stress vs. anxiety, and how can you start coping with stress? Read on for guidance on improving emotional wellness for seniors!
What Is Stress?
Stress is a natural reaction to challenging situations. It helps us survive by initiating our "fight-or-flight response."
Sometimes, stress can be beneficial. It can motivate us to take action while increasing our resilience. Seniors have developed this resiliency over time, allowing them to bounce back from difficult experiences.
Common situations that cause seniors stress include:
- Cognitive, functional, or sensory impairments
- Social isolation
- Coping with the loss of a loved one
- Retirement
- Losing financial independence
- Losing the ability to complete everyday tasks
- Living on a fixed income
- Struggling with chronic health conditions or pain
Stress can manifest through mental and physical symptoms. Common symptoms of stress include:
- Crying
- Social withdrawal
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Muscle tension
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
Chronic stress may increase your risk of serious health problems. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
If these symptoms of stress sound familiar, consult a medical professional. They can help you make changes to improve your senior mental health.
What Is Anxiety?
According to the World Health Organization, the most common health conditions for older adults are depression and anxiety. About 14% of adults ages 60 and up live with a mental disorder. These conditions account for nearly 11% of the total disability among older adults.
Anxiety can cause intense feelings of apprehension, fear, or dread. These emotions can become disproportionate to the situations you're facing.
Left untreated, anxiety may lead to poor physical health and cognitive impairment. It could lead to disability, affecting your quality of life.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Changes in appetite
- Avoiding activities you once loved
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Restlessness
- Trouble focusing
- Racing heart
- Insomnia
- Intrusive thoughts
Consult a medical professional if these symptoms affect your ability to function.
Stress vs. Anxiety
What is the difference between stress vs. anxiety? An immediate external situation usually triggers stress. Anxiety, however, is a long-term feeling that can persist without a trigger.
The two share symptoms such as:
- Feeling nervous/on edge
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
Both stress and anxiety trigger the release of adrenaline, which can cause these symptoms.
Chronic stress can become anxiety. When a stressful situation becomes overwhelming, it can trigger fear or worry. Some people develop anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) when stress is left unmanaged.
Stress and Anxiety in Older Adults
There's a strong connection between stress and inflammation. Stress negatively affects the body's ability to respond to inflammation that can cause age-related conditions. Increased inflammation can cause health problems like:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
Stress can also accelerate the aging process.
Seniors with anxiety disorders often don't receive treatment. They may not recognize or acknowledge their symptoms. Others hesitate to discuss their situation with a doctor.
Stress Management Tips
Coping with stress can improve your daily life and ability to function. Here are some stress management tips that may improve your senior mental health.
Remove the Source
Try to identify and remove the cause of your stress. This can include:
- Medication management
- Loneliness/social isolation
- Grief
- Financial insecurity
- Loss of independence
- Retirement
For example, perhaps you're struggling to keep up with medications. Maybe you live alone and need help maintaining a large house.
Consider moving into a Durham senior living community. You'll have the support of an experienced, compassionate staff, which may help relieve your stress.
Adjust Your Diet
Follow a healthy, balanced diet full of:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
- Lean proteins
Certain foods can combat inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and boost your energy levels. Make sure to stay hydrated as well! Drinking water can stabilize your emotions, keep you mentally sharp, and improve digestion.
Planning and preparing meals can become stressful. Rely on your Durham senior living community's dining program. They can customize a meal plan based on your dietary needs and food preferences.
Exercise Daily
Add 30 minutes of physical activity to your daily routine. Your North Carolina senior living community's wellness program may offer:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Strength training
- Walking
Exercising may help improve your mood, reduce blood pressure, and combat chronic illness. Consider exercising with friends. Making it a social event will encourage you to stick with it!
Apply Relaxation Techniques
The next time you're feeling stressed, try relaxation techniques like:
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Deep breathing exercises
- Visualization
- Gratitude practices
These techniques will relax your tense muscles and calm your racing thoughts. It could help promote a sense of improved well-being. Your senior living community may offer meditation classes as part of its wellness program.
If your stress and anxiety persist, consider talking to a therapist. Their techniques can help you cope.
Build a Support System
Social isolation and loneliness can add to feelings of stress and anxiety. Try building a support system and maintaining social connections.
You can meet new friends in your Durham senior living community. Check the events calendar for upcoming opportunities to socialize.
Pick up a fun hobby to enjoy with friends, such as:
- Playing an instrument
- Learning a language
- Knitting or crocheting
- Dancing
Enjoying a fun hobby together will help you bond. These hobbies are also great for coping with stress.
Improve Your Senior Mental Health
To recap, what's the difference between stress vs. anxiety? We usually feel stressed due to an immediate, challenging situation, while we can experience anxiety longer without a trigger.
Remember, moving into a senior living community may benefit your mental health. Consider enjoying your golden years at TerraBella Durham.
We provide a lifestyle that enhances each resident's life as they age. Discover our beautiful living spaces, exclusive lifestyle programs, and engaging activities. Contact us now to schedule a tour of our community in Durham, NC!