Why does the rate of anxiety rise with age?

Growing older is a normal part of life. However, the losses and changes that occur can contribute to increasing levels of anxiety. And with time, the carefree living of earlier days becomes a distant memory. As people get older, they may find their selves over thinking and thus become anxious. However, one may wonder why anxiety rises in old age. Also, how senior care living can aid in dealing with these feelings?

Analyzing the Causes That Contributed to Increased Anxiety Levels in the Elderly

This is especially true because as individuals grow old, different incidents in life seem to accumulate. Satisfaction with health is always a priority! Simple discomforts that were previously just a temporary glitch in youth become chronic signs of age. Rather than facing fears of dependency and being unable to move, a once graceful body could turn to a slower pace. This one is not only from the physical level but from the mental one as well. The basic human instinct of the fear of falling or becoming dependent on others can evoke anxiety.

It is quite common for seniors in a senior care living home to have the following types of fears. People could begin to fear that they might develop a disease and not be able to remember what they want to say. Also, they might become anxious about a change in marital status or a new pension. These are all legitimate fears, and they should be addressed and treated.

Health Decline May Act As a Trigger for Anxiety

One of the primary concerns among elderly patients is health concerns. Many ailments including cardiac diseases, arthritis, or cancer are not just associated with discomfort but stress too. So, the constant need for medical appointments, medications, and the uncertainty of health can create a helpless feeling. This is not just about the present and the current status of the disease. However, the uncertainty of what is next, what if the condition becomes even more severe?

In senior living in Anthem, we handle these issues with gentle understanding and respect for the subject’s desire to remain as self-sufficient as possible. Judging from the various needs, clients get personalized health plans to ease some of the pressure that comes with chronic illnesses.

Social Isolation Contributes to Increased Anxiety in Seniors

Another significant predictor of enhanced anxiety levels among elderly people is loneliness. When all their friends die, change jobs, retire, or run away from trouble, they are left alone most of the time. This is a recipe for loneliness for many seniors. This loneliness can be overwhelming, causing a child to feel abandoned and fearful. The emptiness of a house, which at one point might have been considered a welcome escape, becomes a source of apprehension.

Apart from that, senior living homes allow residents to make new friends. So they can enjoy their golden years with refreshing activities for the mind and soul. It is well understood that social interactions play a vital role in overcoming anxiety and in a caring environment elderly people get the required amount of social interaction they need to feel safe and secure.

Financial Concerns Also Plays Significant Role Behind Anxiety

This is especially true for many seniors out there. The issue of money is another thing that can keep many of them awake at night. After retirement, people often suffer living off small amounts of money, and things like healthcare costs or a leaking roof are never welcome. Panic of running out of cash is a common worry and this financial concern could equally cause sleepless nights and much worry.

These concerns are addressed effectively by well-laid-out financial policies that help manage the senior care living facility and its residents. The important thing here is that the elderly are assured of their financial future and they can use their time in the sun not worrying about financial crises.

Managing Anxiety in Senior Living

On the other hand, anxiety in seniors is a broad but manageable concern. The important thing is to know and work on the roots. Senior living in Anthem offers activities for seniors and cares for them, both physically and emotionally. Pace, a sense of community, and individualized care plans ensure that seniors get the support necessary to minimize their anxiety. So, if your elderly family member is suffering from similar issues, call 602-909-9550 and book an appointment with Anthem Senior Living. We will take care of every anxiety and the senior will enjoy a peaceful life.