Recognizing and Resolving Senior Anxiety

If you suspect senior anxiety in someone you love, help is available.

Does an older adult you care about seem more withdrawn, restless, or forgetful than usual? While these changes may appear to be part of aging, they might actually indicate something deeper: senior anxiety.

Anxiety is more than just occasional worry or stress. In older adults, it can manifest in subtle or unexpected ways, including:

• Persistent, obsessive thoughts
• Recurrent nightmares that disrupt sleep
• Repetitive behaviors, like checking and re-checking that appliances are off
• Physical symptoms, such as sweating, dizziness, or a racing heart
• Overreactions to otherwise manageable stressors

What Contributes to Anxiety in Aging Adults?

Aging brings unique challenges that may contribute to anxiety, including:

• Side effects from medications
• Chronic illnesses or reduced mobility
• Grieving the loss of a loved one
• Concerns about declining independence or financial stability
• Unresolved childhood trauma

These factors, combined with changes in brain chemistry, can increase the likelihood of anxiety disorders in older adults.

Recognizing Different Types of Anxiety

Though anxiety can appear as generalized worry, specific disorders often develop, including:

• Phobias: Intense fear tied to a specific object or event, like flying, public speaking, or medical procedures.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive habits, like washing hands excessively or counting objects, that help manage intrusive thoughts.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Overwhelming fear of judgment or embarrassment in social interactions, often leading to isolation.

Steps You Can Take to Help

The first step in managing senior anxiety is to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the situation and recommend treatments, such as therapy, medication, or behavioral techniques. Additionally, you can:

• Encourage Open Dialogue: Let the person you love express their feelings without fear of judgment. Sometimes, being heard is the most important step.
• Prioritize Sleep: Help them develop a relaxing bedtime routine. Research shows sleep deprivation can heighten anxiety by up to 30%.
• Reduce Stimulants: Support them in limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.

Partnering With Professional Support

Helping an older adult cope with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hired Hands Homecare offers companionship and assistance to help older adults manage anxiety. Whether it’s engaging in calming activities, preparing healthy meals, or simply being there to listen, our caregivers provide invaluable support. Contact us at (866) 940-4343 to find out more about how we can help someone you love in Novato, Napa, Santa Rosa, or throughout the Bay Area.

Senior anxiety doesn’t have to take over a loved one’s life. With the right care and understanding, they can rediscover joy, calm, and connection.