How to Overcome Common Stressors Faced By Older Adults
This article is written by guest author Kent Elliot.
Picture by Hasan Albari
As you get older, you may face a few new challenges to your health and wellness, and some of the changes you experience can bring a lot of stress. Learning how to manage these sources of stress will help you look after your health and enjoy your golden years in style. With a little compromise, you can still enjoy the things you love and still weather these life changes gracefully.
Retirement
We face stress in our daily life, but as we age, new stressors can develop, and place a lot of added wear and tear on the body. A common stressor many seniors face is the life changes that accompany retirement. You’ve been working toward retirement your whole life, and when you finally arrive, you experience a big shift in the tempo of your life. As Inc. explains, even if you’re financially stable, you might feel dissatisfied by this lifestyle transition.
To overcome the stressors of retirement, you’ll need to find a new purpose in your life, whether it’s spending more time with your family, looking after the grandkids, finding a place to volunteer your time, or finally learning a new hobby you’ve wanted to try for years.
Changes in Mobility
Older adults face health challenges that can lead to a lot of stress, and Eclectic Evelyn notes a common stressor experienced by seniors is changes in mobility. The natural aging process weakens your bones and muscles, and you may have a harder time maintaining balance and coordination. You may also find it takes you longer to get ready in the morning, grocery shopping gets harder, and walking to the coffee shop can be a challenge.
Combat the stress of changes in mobility by incorporating daily exercises to stay active, strengthen your muscles, improve balance, and relieve pain. One exercise that has many proven benefits for seniors is yoga. Practicing yoga can boost bone strength, improve balance and flexibility, ease pain, and reduce anxiety. Finally, be sure to have a well-balanced diet and get all the vitamins and minerals you need to be healthy and enjoy a strong body.
Financial Concerns
As you get older, you may suffer from financial stress due to loss of income after retirement, not having enough savings in the bank, or higher healthcare costs. Financial stress will lead to a lot of negative health outcomes, and you may be tempted to cope in unhealthy ways or even suffer from headaches or insomnia. Financial concerns can make you feel isolated, and you may not know how to tell your loved ones you’re struggling financially.
Remove the stress of financial concerns by taking a close look at your current financial situation, and getting a clear picture of your finances. CNBC notes many seniors are surprised by things like what Medicare doesn’t cover, and those out-of-pocket expenses can quickly eat through your retirement savings. With that in mind, make a spending budget that fits within your retirement savings, and make sure you have the best health insurance coverage so you won’t have any unexpected medical bills.
Final Expense Insurance
Another source of stress you’ll face as you age is worry about how your family and loved ones will cope with your passing. Funeral arrangements can be a source of contention among your family members, and the costs can be a burden.
You can make arrangements for your funeral ahead of time, and with a final expense insurance policy, you can help alleviate the stress of funeral costs, and your family won’t need to worry about any additional expenses you may leave behind. When looking for an insurance policy, find a company with a good BBB rating that specializes in final expense insurance.
Don’t let age hold you back, but identify the sources of stress in your life. Whether you’re experiencing stress from retirement, a change in your health or mobility, or financial worries, take the time to address these stressors. When you learn to manage your stress you’ll be able to enjoy a great quality of life and thrive during your golden years.