Stress Reduction Techniques for Older Adults

Kick stress with these stress management tips

You might have thought that hitting retirement would be like being on permanent vacation – you are done with work, might have life-long friends to spend time with, and can now finally focus only on what is most important in your life.

But life can be surprisingly stressful for older adults – and that stress can manifest in various unhealthy ways. Common sources of stress can include a change in financial status, the need to care for grandchildren or a sick spouse, the death of relatives or close friends, worries about not being able to live independently, and the aches and pains that accompany age, which means you may not be able to get out as easily as you might and enjoy life the way you had envisioned.

This stress can not only disrupt your stress-free retirement, but it can lead to real health complications. Some of the symptoms of stress include dizziness, feelings of exhaustion or depression, headaches, grinding your teeth while you sleep, shoulder or back pain, an increased heart rate, and heaviness in your chest. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, resulting in heart disease, obesity, increased glucose levels that lead to diabetes, serious depression, and have even been tied to the onset of dementia.

As one of the region’s top providers of senior care, the aging experts at Knute Nelson have seen firsthand what causes stress in older adults and how that stress can lead to serious health problems. Luckily, we have developed a list of stress-reducing tips you can use to promote stress management and relief – and even have an enhaced quality of life along the way. Read on for tips you can use to reduce stress in your life.

These Simple Stress-Reducing Steps Can Add Enjoyment and Value to Your Life

Time spent stressed out or worrying about things is time lost in your life that you never get back. Finding simple ways to reduce stress can not only reduce the amount of harm that is being done to your body but also provide a positive outlet for seeing the world differently. If you are feeling stressed and think that it may be having a negative impact on your quality of life, try some of these tips:

1. Join a support group: If your stress is related to the loss of a loved one, a support group can be a wonderful way to find camaraderie and get help from those who are in or have been in a similar situation. In a support group, you can learn from others how they have handled situations of loss.

2. Get some exercise: Exercise and regular physical activity can be one of the best ways to reduce stress. Think exercise means jogging and lifting weights? Not at all – even seated exercises can help improve your fitness, get your heart pumping, and tone your muscles – and that can lead to reduced pain, better sleep, and increased energy.

3. Think about adopting a pet: A multitude of studies over the years have shown the ways that caring for a pet can help lower your stress. While there can be financial costs and time obligations to consider, having a pet like a dog, cat, or even a hamster can refocus your energy in more positive ways and provide an outlet for relaxation.

Reduce Stress By Getting Some Help at Home

Most aging adults would prefer to remain in their homes as long as they can, but living independently can entail a series of challenges that can lead to increased stress. Luckily, there are ways around this, including using home health care services. In-home care options from Knute Nelson cover a wide range of services and even technologies that make living at home simpler and easier, including:

• Personal care

• Shopping

• Cleaning

• Home modifications to facilitate independent living

• Companionship

• Nursing care

• In-home therapy

• Home technology

To Reduce Stress, Take a Walk – Or Even Go for a Swim

As noted above, exercise is one of the best ways that seniors can relieve stress – and the benefits go far beyond simply brightening your day. Knute Nelson’s wellness center in Alexandria, Minnesota, is open to members and has a full range of classes, machines, and instruction. Glide into the warm water pool for some low-impact exercise or hop on a stationary bike to simply burn calories. The center has classes for all fitness levels, a studio with balance bars, and personal trainers, and is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Get to Know the Benefits of Maintenance-Free Senior Living

Knute Nelson has a wide variety of communities that offer a range of services tailored to meet your specific budget and living needs. Knute Nelson Senior Living means a life without needing to worry about utility bills, home repairs, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and more – on top of that, you can choose to have all of your meals handled and receive medical care right there, and you can also fill your social calendar with classes and events.

To learn more about the services offered by Knute Nelson, connect with a member of our team at (320)421-0242 or fill out an inquiry form.