Chronic stress is quite harmful to our health because it triggers specific responses in our bodies. Over time, the body becomes worn out and negative health issues develop. Examples include heart disease, poor memory, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, ulcers, anxiety and depression.
Elderly adults are at an even higher risk of developing health problems with exposure to chronic stress. Because they are also usually dealing with other chronic health issues, it is even harder for their bodies to resist and recover from the wear and tear due to stress. Family caregivers really need to be proactive when it comes to helping their aging relatives manage stress.
Here are 5 stress management strategies that family caregivers and elderly adults can implement to reduce the harmful effects of stress:
1. Plenty of Exercise
There’s no doubt that exercise leads to a healthy body and is therefore more resistant to the harmful effects of stress. Seniors often struggle to exercise, but there are lots of ways for them to be active, even if they are not very mobile. From daily walks, tai chi and swimming to stretches and stationary activities, seniors should incorporate stress-busting exercise into their schedules.
2. Nutritious Diet
It’s essential that elderly adults eat nutritious meals to give them the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. A poor diet with few vitamins and minerals, plus too much sugar and junk food only make the body more vulnerable to the negative effects of chronic stress.
3. In-Home Care Providers
Many seniors stress about their ability to take care of themselves and their home. As they deal with physical limitations such as arthritis, poor vision, and other chronic ailments, it become more difficult for them to cook, clean and keep up with maintenance. Many can’t drive anymore and don’t get to the grocery store often enough. A home care provider can some in at regularly schedule times and days to lend a hand, relieving seniors of many of their worries.
4. Social Network
Everyone needs a strong network of social support, from family members and friends to professionals like doctors, clergy and home care providers. Not only does a support network give aid when needed, it provides important social outlets for seniors who may be prone to loneliness, isolation and depression.
5. Meditation
Call it prayer, meditation or mindfulness—it is all valuable to seniors in reducing stress. Self-reflection allows the mind to free itself from stress and encourages relaxation. Many seniors find it easiest to meditate out in nature, such as a park, garden or even the backyard.
It’s important for family caregivers to do everything in their power to reduce any unnecessary stress for their loved one. By practicing these stress management techniques, seniors can experience increased health and wellness as they live their lives to the fullest.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING CAREGIVERS IN CHICAGO, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Elderly adults are at an even higher risk of developing health problems with exposure to chronic stress. Because they are also usually dealing with other chronic health issues, it is even harder for their bodies to resist and recover from the wear and tear due to stress. Family caregivers really need to be proactive when it comes to helping their aging relatives manage stress.
Here are 5 stress management strategies that family caregivers and elderly adults can implement to reduce the harmful effects of stress:
1. Plenty of Exercise
There’s no doubt that exercise leads to a healthy body and is therefore more resistant to the harmful effects of stress. Seniors often struggle to exercise, but there are lots of ways for them to be active, even if they are not very mobile. From daily walks, tai chi and swimming to stretches and stationary activities, seniors should incorporate stress-busting exercise into their schedules.
2. Nutritious Diet
It’s essential that elderly adults eat nutritious meals to give them the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. A poor diet with few vitamins and minerals, plus too much sugar and junk food only make the body more vulnerable to the negative effects of chronic stress.
3. In-Home Care Providers
Many seniors stress about their ability to take care of themselves and their home. As they deal with physical limitations such as arthritis, poor vision, and other chronic ailments, it become more difficult for them to cook, clean and keep up with maintenance. Many can’t drive anymore and don’t get to the grocery store often enough. A home care provider can some in at regularly schedule times and days to lend a hand, relieving seniors of many of their worries.
4. Social Network
Everyone needs a strong network of social support, from family members and friends to professionals like doctors, clergy and home care providers. Not only does a support network give aid when needed, it provides important social outlets for seniors who may be prone to loneliness, isolation and depression.
5. Meditation
Call it prayer, meditation or mindfulness—it is all valuable to seniors in reducing stress. Self-reflection allows the mind to free itself from stress and encourages relaxation. Many seniors find it easiest to meditate out in nature, such as a park, garden or even the backyard.
It’s important for family caregivers to do everything in their power to reduce any unnecessary stress for their loved one. By practicing these stress management techniques, seniors can experience increased health and wellness as they live their lives to the fullest.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING CAREGIVERS IN CHICAGO, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.