Guilford Woman June 2012 : Page 30

FROM THE CARE MANAGER Signs of Stress Stress is a common factor in life. Children experience stress from school, new so-cial situations and simply growing up. Adults feel the stress of working, paying bills, raising kids and maintaining house-holds. Seniors also feel stress even though some may have retired, raised their children and paid off their homes. For seniors, stress has the potential to be especially overwhelming. This type of tension in older adults has unique con-tributing factors, such as the loss of an elderly spouse or friends they have out-lived. Living alone can increase the sense of isolation. Sometimes the simple tasks of everyday life can cause stress in those who experience physical and / or medical limitations. The effects of stress can sometimes exacerbate health con-ditions from which some seniors suffer, causing additional worry. Stress can present itself in various ways. Here are five of the most common ways to detect if a loved one’s stress is cause for concern: 1. Changes in eating habits such as over eating or loss of appetite can be caused by overwhelming stress. 2. Mood swings due to stress may pres-ent in increased irritability, general sad-ness or depression. 3. Memory issues may arise in the form of increased forgetfulness of names, places or other things that normally come natural to seniors. Lack of concen-tration may become a problem. Some seniors may exercise poor judgment such as excessive spending when they are already on a limited budget. 4. Physical signs of stress can include body aches and pains, or increased episodes of illness. Changes in sleeping patterns – either trouble falling asleep or interrupted nighttime sleep – can signal significant stress. 5. Seniors experiencing overwhelming stress often isolate themselves from oth-ers, refusing to socialize or participate in activities they used to enjoy. Family caregivers of seniors should be cognizant of stress as it relates to their loved ones. Knowing the signs and de-tecting them early on can help seniors learn to recognize stress factors and to take steps to alleviate the effects stress can cause. Activities such as yoga, walk-ing and other physical exercises de-signed for seniors are great tension relievers. Some seniors are unable to participate in physical activities, but there are other ways to reduce stress. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep can keep stress at bay. Joining a non-physical group activity, such as a bridge club or volunteering, offers socialization and a chance to clear the mind of daily responsibilities. The fact that stress is a fact of life does not mean that overwhelming stress is a burden seniors have to shoulder all alone. With help, seniors can combat stress and its negative effects. Spend time helping seniors determine what bur-dens they face. Help them plan ways suited to their lifestyles that are not only fun but that can minimize the pressures stress can cause. By doing so, the quality of life seniors experience can increase, further paving the way for them to lead independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. Danny Thompson, is the Founder and CEO of Comfort Keepers, a senior in-home care business helping seniors remain in their homes as they age. Comfort Keepers employs more than 150 Certified Nurse Assistants, home health aides and companions that assist the elderly in the Triad. 30 | GUILFORDWOMAN.COM

FROM THE CARE MANAGER

Danny Thompson

Signs of Stress Stress is a common factor in life. Children experience stress from school, new social situations and simply growing up. Adults feel the stress of working, paying bills, raising kids and maintaining households. Seniors also feel stress even though some may have retired, raised their children and paid off their homes. For seniors, stress has the potential to be especially overwhelming. This type of tension in older adults has unique contributing factors, such as the loss of an elderly spouse or friends they have outlived. Living alone can increase the sense of isolation. Sometimes the simple tasks of everyday life can cause stress in those who experience physical and / or medical limitations. The effects of stress can sometimes exacerbate health conditions from which some seniors suffer, causing additional worry. Stress can present itself in various ways. Here are five of the most common ways to detect if a loved one’s stress is cause for concern: 1. Changes in eating habits such as over eating or loss of appetite can be caused by overwhelming stress. 2. Mood swings due to stress may present in increased irritability, general sadness or depression. 3. Memory issues may arise in the form of increased forgetfulness of names, places or other things that normally come natural to seniors. Lack of concentration may become a problem. Some seniors may exercise poor judgment such as excessive spending when they are already on a limited budget. 4. Physical signs of stress can include body aches and pains, or increased episodes of illness. Changes in sleeping patterns – either trouble falling asleep or interrupted nighttime sleep – can signal significant stress. 5. Seniors experiencing overwhelming stress often isolate themselves from others, refusing to socialize or participate in activities they used to enjoy. Family caregivers of seniors should be cognizant of stress as it relates to their loved ones. Knowing the signs and detecting them early on can help seniors learn to recognize stress factors and to take steps to alleviate the effects stress can cause. Activities such as yoga, walking and other physical exercises designed for seniors are great tension relievers. Some seniors are unable to participate in physical activities, but there are other ways to reduce stress. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep can keep stress at bay. Joining a non-physical group activity, such as a bridge club or volunteering, offers socialization and a chance to clear the mind of daily responsibilities. The fact that stress is a fact of life does not mean that overwhelming stress is a burden seniors have to shoulder all alone. With help, seniors can combat stress and its negative effects. Spend time helping seniors determine what burdens they face. Help them plan ways suited to their lifestyles that are not only fun but that can minimize the pressures stress can cause. By doing so, the quality of life seniors experience can increase, further paving the way for them to lead independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

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