Surely, at some point in your life, you've experienced worry or anxiety about something . Can you imagine feeling this excessively and repeatedly? That's what some people with anxiety often experience, many of whom are older adults.
It may happen that an elderly person has just learned they have an illness or that their condition is incurable. How do you deal with this? And as a caregiver, how can you support your patient or loved one?
What is anxiety in older adults?
Anxiety is a feeling of helplessness and inability to cope with threatening events, characterized by a predominance of physical tension.
This disorder occurs in response to anything that the person perceives as a threat , whether physically real, psychologically distressing, or even imaginary.
In the case of older adults, some type of anxiety may also develop related to a medical diagnosis or even separation , whether from the home where they used to live and now being transferred to a relative's home, a hospital or care center, or from separation from a loved one.
Anxiety in old age: causes and symptoms
To make a clinical diagnosis, psychologists rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , also known as DSM, published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
In this regard, the DSM Diagnostic Criteria Reference Guide indicates that in these cases , the person experiences "excessive and recurrent distress when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or close attachment figures."
People with anxiety may experience physical discomfort, such as chest tightness, rapid heart rate, and sweating.
In the case of older adults, it is known that much of this anxiety may be present due to situations linked to age, changes in neurotransmitter function, social and family changes (loss of loved ones, retirement, increased dependency , loneliness, physical limitation), stressful events, taking certain medications (especially corticosteroids or those related to asthma, insomnia or COPD) or even the diagnosis of diseases that could cause death.
Those who suffer from it may have symptoms such as:
- Restlessness or impatience
- Easy fatigability
- Difficulty concentrating or having a blank mind
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
What to do when an older adult experiences anxiety?
1. Get informed
Anxiety is a disorder that can occur at many different ages and is increasingly being talked about. Therefore, the first step is to research what it is and what its symptoms are .
For information, there's nothing better than respected sources endorsed by specialists. Various clinics, books, and medical association websites can provide more information.
2. Support
Older adults deserve the full support and affection of their loved ones. And here, as in many other moments, caregivers play a very important role.
It will be very helpful to share the diagnosis with the patient's family and friends , letting them know what anxiety is and what it entails. They can be very helpful in providing the adult with the support they need.
3. Channel
No one can help us better than experts in supporting an older adult through their journey. When it comes to anxiety and grief, here are some specialists:
- Psychologist . A mental health specialist. In the clinical setting, their work is to analyze a person's mental and behavioral processes, with the goal of offering them tools that allow for greater personal well-being. In cases of anxiety, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist can be very helpful.
- Psychiatrist . A doctor who treats various mental disorders, both genetic and neurological. He or she uses medication and monitors the patient's progress. To manage some of the side effects of medication, consulting a psychologist is very helpful.
- Thanatologist . When it comes to grief, this specialist is key. Grief doesn't just refer to the death of a loved one, but to losses in general: work, health, financial stability, relationships, etc.
4. Contain
Now more than ever, older adults need their support networks . Reaching out, listening to them, and validating their emotions is always advisable.
Sometimes, many people with anxiety find it very helpful to be heard by their loved ones. Caregivers can make a list of their patient's closest contacts and have them on hand for when needed.
Surrounding yourself with loved ones and laughing with them can also help a lot. Your support networks can even help take your focus off the ball.
5. Depressurize
Some of the following activities may be very helpful for an older adult with anxiety:
- Physical exercise
- Mental exercises
- Relaxation
- Progressive breathing
- Massages
- Stretching
- Meditation
- Art in general: writing, drawing, painting, listening to music
Adults in full bloom, health in full bloom
As you can see, there are many different ways to support an older adult in a situation like anxiety. And as this disorder continues to be studied, there will undoubtedly be more and better intervention options.
Are you interested in learning more about the symptoms of depression in adults? We invite you to read our article on its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
With the help of professional counseling and caring family members, older adults will achieve a better quality of life beyond their medical diagnosis.
