Anxiety in Older Adults: How to Recognize and Manage Symptoms

According to the National Council on Aging, as much as 20% of the older population has anxiety. However, it often goes undiagnosed.

Anxiety in older adults can affect a person's ability to function. It may diminish your quality of life if you don't seek treatment.

What are the symptoms of anxiety, and how can you start coping with anxiety for better emotional health? Read on to find out!

Anxiety in Older Adults

Anxiety causes feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension. In older adults, anxiety is often accompanied by depression. Both can affect your overall health and quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization, about 14% of adults ages 60 and over live with a mental disorder. These conditions account for nearly 11% of the total disability among older adults.

The most common senior mental health conditions are depression and anxiety. Social isolation (which affects about 25% of older adults) can increase your risk of mental health conditions later in life.

Anxiety disorders target parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, including fear. Older seniors are more vulnerable if they:

Have difficulty sleeping
Often feel unwell
Have long-term medical issues (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)
Are physically impaired (leading to isolation)
Are grieving
Have an underlying mental health condition

Left untreated, anxiety can increase your risk of:

Faster brain aging
Autoimmune diseases
Heart diseases
Memory disorders (dementia)
Disability
Stroke
Heart failure

Stress vs Anxiety

What's the difference between stress vs anxiety? While both are emotional responses, stress is usually caused by a long- or short-term external trigger. This may include:

Chronic illness
A work deadline
Being unable to work/mobility issues
A fight with a loved one

Stress can cause physical and mental symptoms. These include muscle pain, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping.

Anxiety is a persistent, excessive worry. It won't go away, even in the absence of a trigger or stressor. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are nearly identical to stress.

Some common causes of anxiety in seniors include:

Trauma from childhood
Loss of independence
Limited mobility
Stressful life events (like the loss of a loved one)
Misuse/abuse of drugs or alcohol
Sleep disturbances
Chronic health conditions
Certain medications
Financial insecurity

You can manage both stress and anxiety with coping mechanisms. Without treatment, however, they may affect your day-to-day functioning. Consider consulting a mental health professional for treatment options or other coping techniques.

Signs of Anxiety

Common behavioral and mental symptoms of anxiety can include:

Restlessness
Ritualistic behaviors
Uncontrollable feelings of fear or panic
Obsessive thoughts
Trouble focusing
Memory issues
Insomnia
Nightmares
Refusal to engage in routine activities

However, anxiety can also present as physical symptoms, including:

Dry mouth
Shortness of breath
Frequent urination
Nausea
Racing heart
Headaches
Trembling
Cold or sweaty hands
Excessive sweating
Tense muscles

These behavioral, mental, and physical symptoms can affect your ability to function. If you experience these symptoms, consult a mental health professional right away. They can help you determine the root cause of your anxiety, allowing you to develop an effective, personalized treatment.

Tips for Coping With Anxiety

Coping with anxiety is an individualistic experience. Try a few different techniques to determine what works best for you. Here are some strategies that can improve emotional wellness for seniors.

Talk Therapy

Some people find it easier to speak with a mental health professional than a friend or family member. Over 60% of adults don't want to talk about their stress to avoid burdening others. Nearly 70% think their problems aren't "bad enough" to stress over.

Talk therapy will allow you to unpack your thoughts and feelings. You can talk about your emotions without feeling judged.

Explore your senior living community's resources to find a talk therapist in Fayetteville. They'll help you develop a plan for managing anxious thoughts and triggers. Learning how to navigate your anxiety may improve your quality of life.

Their plan may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy. CBT involves recognizing your anxiety and thought patterns. You can change your perception to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Prescription Medications

Your doctor may recommend prescription medications to help alleviate feelings of panic. These may include:

Anti-anxiety medications
Antidepressants
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Tricyclic antidepressants
Beta-blockers

Let your doctor know if you're already taking medications to avoid an interaction.

Exercise Daily

Exercising for 30 minutes a day can boost endorphin production. These feel-good chemicals may improve your mood and alleviate anxiety.

Explore your senior living community's wellness program to discover exercise classes. These may include:

Tai chi
Resistance training
Walking

Exercising can benefit your mental and physical health. It could reduce feelings of anxiety while improving your self-esteem.

Join a Support Group

Explore your senior living community's resources to find a support group in Fayetteville. Building a support system may help you better respond to triggers.

Try to build deep social connections. Talking to friends can help you navigate overwhelming thoughts. Having a strong support system can help you find solutions when your anxiety spikes.

Spend quality time with friends and loved ones by exploring your Fayetteville senior living community's activities calendar. Engaging in creative hobbies may help ease your stress and anxiety.

Techniques for Coping With Anxiety

Explore different techniques for coping with anxiety, such as:

Meditation and mindfulness
Deep breathing exercises
Visualization

Mindfulness techniques will encourage you to focus on the present. Be intentional with your breathwork. Imagine the air traveling through your nose and lungs before you finally exhale.

Get Enough Sleep

Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. This consistency can improve your sleep quality and health. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can reduce feelings of anxiety and stabilize your mood.

Prioritize Aging and Mental Health

Ignoring anxiety in older adults can lead to senior health issues. Instead, prioritize aging and mental health using these coping techniques.

Changing your environment can reduce the anxiety of living alone. Consider moving into a senior living community like TerraBella Fayetteville in Fayetteville, NC.

We offer personalized care services that will enhance your life. Discover beautiful living spaces, on-site amenities, and engaging lifestyle programs. Contact us now to schedule a tour.