Sometimes, we can become so focused on our loved one’s physical health that we forget to think about their mental health. Not only are elderly Americans at risk during the pandemic, but they face increased stress and anxiety as well. There are many reasons why your loved ones may be experiencing negative emotions. If they face loneliness, you can help them with it. You will find the following tips very useful to cope with the stress and anxiety when it hits. Read on to learn more about the actions you can take to help ease your loved one’s anxiety.
Listen Actively
The best thing you can do is to listen to the concerns of your loved one. Anxiety in older adults can be a result of the pandemic or it could be something more personal. Do allow your loved one to speak freely so they can voice their thoughts. They may be confused and scared so remember to be open to their concerns and validate them. Let them know you are there to listen.
Maintain A Routine
Maintaining a routine can be a healthy way to relieve anxiety. Remind your loved one to finish their breakfast first before turning on the news; this can decrease anxiety in the morning. Having a set time for dinner can reduce sundown syndrome for those who have dementia. If you work from home, check if your loved one can spend time with their grandkids so they can be both kept busy. This is a way to build strong intergenerational relationships as well.
Practice Mindfulness
Draw on skills you have used in the past to help you manage the adversities faced by your loved one. These skills can help you to manage their emotions during the current challenging times. These methods can include therapy, meditation, or journaling. For some older people, mindfulness can be in the form of listening to music or taking a warm soothing bath.
Stay Healthy And Active
Exercise has a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of older people. Older people who regularly go to fitness classes or go on walks have been shown to have reduced anxiety. They can also try online aerobics videos or online chair yoga at home.
Engage In Fun Activities
If your loved one enjoys visiting friends or going for scheduled activities, being forced to spend time in isolation can result in depression and anxiety. If they live at home together with you, spend time reliving the happy memories rather than dwell on the negative parts of the present. If your loved one has dementia, try other activities to create connections.
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