Take a Deep Breath: Stress Relief Techniques for Seniors

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  August 16, 2022

Stress Relief Techniques for Seniors | In many ways, stress is a part of life for all of us. But for seniors, stress can have a larger affect on physical and mental wellness.

Having worries and concerns is natural, but it is more important as we get older to practice stress-reduction techniques to manage these thoughts.

The great news is that stress, and the techniques to manage it, are usually easy for most people to practice. Meditation, breathing exercises, physical movement and other tactics can help seniors continue to live the best quality of life and can even improve overall wellness.

Stress destroys cells in the hippocampus, a brain site responsible for memory storage and retrieval.

Why is it critical to manage stress in seniors?

As we continue to keep our homes and families safe during COVID-19, it’s even more important to focus on the mental health needs of our seniors when it comes to stress.

Several studies have shown that stress is linked to mental and physical problems, from anxiety and depression to hypertension and immune system complications. In fact, it’s estimated that stress increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, heart attack by 25%, and stroke by 50%. Not to mention the fact that stress can also exacerbate existing conditions – which can be very impactful for those with less efficient immune systems.

What can seniors do to manage their stress in a positive way?

Finding moments of joy and focusing on activities and hobbies that bring meaning and purpose can help seniors manage their stress. Fortunately, there are many more stress relief techniques that seniors can follow to help improve their own personal wellbeing. What senior clients use to manage their stress today can help better prepare them for any future stress.

Stress Relief Techniques for Seniors

• Connection can help relieve stress. Seniors can call a friend or family member, have a video chat or spend time with loved ones when possible.
• Meditate at the same time every day or whenever feelings of stress or anxiety arise
• Practice deep breathing and mindfulness exercises
• Reach out to friends and family to connect and spend time together
• Follow a consistent exercise regimen and healthy diet, upon physician approval
• Journal or jot down thoughts and feelings at the end of each day – and be sure to take a moment to reflect on all the positive things that happened throughout the day
• Find a virtual volunteer opportunity to give back to the community
• Put together and execute a to-do list to increase productivity, decrease feelings of restlessness, and combat procrastination
• Join a yoga class or practice it at home (with physician approval)
• Listen to soothing or relaxing music, especially before bed
• Find a way to laugh, whether it’s by watching a funny TV show/movie or listening to a comedy album

Comfort Keepers^® Georgian Triangle Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering Dementia Care and Palliative Care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle office.

Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle, is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of Accreditation Canada’s, Accreditation Primer Award. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca. Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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