Anxiety was once thought to decline in older adults, but it turns out the opposite is true.
Older adults worry about their own health, having a fixed income, loss of mobility and the well-being of their loved ones, according to Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
Though aging and anxiety can go hand-in-hand, understanding the unique ways it affects you as you get older – and where it comes from – goes a long way in improving your quality of life.
The loss of independence
As you age, you may not be able to live alone. You might also lose the ability to drive.
The loss of autonomy over your own life can make you feel trapped and even like you’ve lost a sense of purpose. It becomes commonplace to worry.
Mental decline
Cognitive diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and memory loss can cause you to feel confused, which leads to anxiety.
It’s frustrating to not be able to remember things or not understand situations. For example, a change in a normal routine or schedule can create panic.
Loneliness
You may find you’re worrying more about being alone.
This could be the result of a cognitive illness that causes you to not be able to remember your visitors or that your loved ones will be coming back. Perhaps you worry about being alone because your spouse has died or you don’t have a good family support system.
Injury or illness
Maybe it’s a fall that results in a broken hip, or it could be an illness.
Whatever it is, the fear of not surviving or of becoming incapacitated can cause you an enormous amount of worry.
You may have anxiety about falling or getting sick again, which can hinder your recovery process.
Fighting senior anxiety
There are real-world ways you can combat the worry that comes with aging. Ask your doctor if the following tips could be right for you.
- Keep moving. Activity can stave off heart disease and osteoporosis, and regular exercise is also wonderful for the brain. The endorphin rush boosts your mood and fights anxiety. Consider activities like walks outside, yoga, water aerobics or even lifting low-impact weights.
- Stay social. If your anxiety stems from the fear of being alone, proactively seek out connections. Set a weekly date with a friend or family member, join a club or take a class.
- Consider social media. Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with old friends or far-away family.
- Stick to a schedule. Structure can be reassuring. Knowing what to expect is calming.
You can manage aging and anxiety
Understanding the relationship between aging and anxiety can help you control your worrying.
Another key to managing anxiety is to make sure you’re getting the right medical care.
If your Marketplace coverage isn’t providing for your health care needs, talk to an independent insurance specialist at UROne Benefits™ to find the best policy for your unique situation. Contact us here or at 800-722-7331.