Aging adults face a new set of challenges as their body, mind, and environment change as they navigate their retirement years. What some of them imagined would be days of relaxation and peace is instead replaced by bouts of anxiety, stress, and even depression. Developing patience and reducing stress to manage these feelings are not simple, but definitely achievable with effort.
Impact of Stress on Health
There is undoubtedly a correlation between chronic stress and the health of older adults, and these are a few of its negative effects that prove why it is important to develop patience and reduce stress as you age:
- Heart problems
- Digestive issues
- Lowered immune system
- Dental issues
- Vision and hearing loss
Recognizing and Pinpointing Stressors
For many individuals, stress sometimes goes unnoticed because they may be accustomed to this way of living their entire life. Everybody experiences stress every now and then, but for a handful of individuals, it is a familiar and unavoidable feeling due to various reasons. A few common signs of stress to look out for include:
- Frequent sickness
- Tension headaches
- Low energy and fatigue
- Withdrawal and isolation
- Unusual patterns of judgment
- Difficulties with concentration during activities or conversation
Because stress can manifest in different ways for each person, paying attention to patterns can help you tell when something isn’t right.
Developing Patience and Reducing Stress
Similar to other emotional experiences, stress can sometimes seem to take the driver’s seat and be in control. During such moments, looking at the situation from a bird’s eye perspective can prevent you from feeling trapped and hopeless. Identifying the sources of stress could turn your overwhelming experience into a more tangible cause-and-effect relationship, which may help you realize how you can take action to dissolve the source of stress.
Greater self-awareness and the use of common relaxation techniques when feelings of overwhelm and stress take over can make a significant difference to one’s emotional health and overall quality of life. Creating routines to practice deep breathing together, journaling, exercising, and meditating can also be stress-relieving and help to bring attention to the positivity around you. With enough repetition, hopefully, you will be able to independently carry out these routines in the face of stress and anxiety.
If you are struggling with feelings of stress and anxiety, it is also recommended to speak to a health professional so that any diagnosis can be confirmed, and you can be on the road to recovery sooner to developing patience and reducing stress.
Why Choose Aston Gardens At Sun City Center?
Our residents are offered a wide array of life enrichment programs and activities designed to help them maintain social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual wellness. Our activities director will introduce engaging activities to stimulate the brain and body, while our professional medical team will be on standby nearby in case of any emergencies. At Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, individuals from all walks of life are welcome to join our warm and supportive community.
If you have any inquiries about living in Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
