Understanding Senior Anxiety

Understanding Senior AnxietyElderly Anxiety Disorders

 

The experts in assisted living facilities believe that understanding the symptoms and recovery strategies can help individuals dealing with anxiety.

If you feel excessive nervousness or fear, experience chest pain, sweating, or tension headaches, you may be suffering from anxiety.

Research and studies show that generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias are two common anxiety disorders that seniors typically experience. The specialists in our senior assisted living community believe that understanding the early symptoms can help you combat anxiety attacks.

Causes of Anxiety Attacks in Seniors

Although anxiety doesn’t always have specific triggers, environmental and situational factors are often the causes of the attacks. Age also plays a crucial role because, with age, we encounter new challenges and many significant changes that can lead to anxiety. Here are the most common triggers for anxiety in seniors:

  • Health problems
  • Financial concerns
  • Loss of freedom and independence
  • Immobility
  • Isolation
  • Dementia
  • Vision loss

Common Symptoms of Elderly Anxiety Disorders

People often dismiss the signs of anxiety as a part of the aging process. The experts in many senior assisted living facilities, however, feel that it helps to recognize the symptoms of anxiety in older adults. This can help you develop suitable coping strategies.

Here are some signs that indicate you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder:

  • Nervousness and fear
  • Lightheadedness often followed by dizziness and sweating
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea, chest pain, and digestion issues
  • Headaches and vision problems
  • Confusion and irrational thoughts
  • Having nightmares and random scary thoughts
  • Weight fluctuations and loss of appetite
  • Having trouble sleeping at night
  • Panicking at the thought of leaving home
  • Fatigue

If you recognize any of these symptoms, it may be wise to consult a doctor. Do not wait till the problem escalates further and causes additional problems. Your doctor can help you deal with it and ease some of the burdens you’re feeling.

Strategies and Treatment to Cope Up with Anxiety

If you are suffering from anxiety, it helps to consider the following:

  • The environment you are living in
  • Your support system and behavior
  • Level of independence and mobility
  • The ability to manage daily activities
  • Health condition
  • Any active illnesses

Consulting a doctor can help you deal with anxiety. They will understand your difficulties, ask questions about your medical history, and assess your condition. Based on the analysis, they may recommend a combination of medication and therapy to help you. They will develop an individualized plan addressing a variety of aspects including nutrition and diet, social engagement, and place of residence. If needed, they may recommend living in a senior assisted living community where there will be specialists to care for you when required.

Feel Comfortable and Confident at our Assisted Living Facility

At The Holiday Retirement, we care about our residents and strive to ensure that they are comfortable and happy. The experts in our assisted living community in Rhode Island will make sure that all your needs are taken care of properly.

  • We offer round-the-clock assistance.
  • We have a great health program.
  • We conduct fun-filled activities to stimulate physical and mental wellness.
  • We offer professional care and help.
  • We provide opportunities for social interaction so you can meet like-minded people.

For more information about our assisted living facility, please call us at 401-371-3220 or fill out our online form to book a location tour.