Since seniors go through a lot of difficult life events and face the realities of aging, they’re more likely to end up experiencing emotional issues that reduce quality of life. Learning more about the emotional health issues seniors face can help you take steps to address and hopefully prevent them from occurring. Make sure to keep an eye out for these seven emotional health issues seniors encounter.
1. Aimlessness
When they no longer have to report to a job each day or care for children, seniors often find it difficult to retain their sense of purpose. Humans naturally want to have meaning in life, so aimlessness could eventually lead to depression if it isn’t addressed. Helping seniors find meaning can be something as simple as a new hobby or something more complicated like volunteer work.
2. Poor Self-Confidence
Seniors often report feeling like they lack confidence in themselves and their abilities due to decreased strength and increased illnesses. You may find you can boost your loved one’s confidence by encouraging him or her to behave independently and offering praise for the things he or she can still achieve.
Some older adults who lack functional mobility or live with other serious health issues aren’t very confident. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Altamonte Springs seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
3. Depression
Changes to the brain increase the risk of becoming depressed, which can result in sensations of overwhelming sadness, fatigue, or emotionlessness. You can reduce the risk of depression by encouraging your loved one to spend time with friends, stay in shape, and exercise.
4. Anxiety
Anxiety often develops due to seniors feeling they’re no longer in control of their lives. This constant state of worry and fear can greatly wear down a senior’s emotional health. You may be able to help your loved one by setting up therapeutic appointments or discussing anti-anxiety medications with a doctor.
5. Anger
Some seniors lash out at others around them when they feel sad or vulnerable. Excessive hostility can make it difficult to interact with others. Managing anger often relies on getting therapy and learning how to manage frustration.
Issues such as a lack of joint flexibility or diminishing muscle strength can cause anger and frustration to build up. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional in-home care. Windermere families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
6. Loneliness
It’s no surprise many seniors feel lonely because they’re often housebound and unable to visit friends and loved ones. Feeling isolated and alone is bad for a senior’s emotional and mental health, so try to take the time to schedule visits with others or take your loved one to programs where he or she can make new friends.
7. Stress
Stress can occur over big life changes like a move, or it can develop over small issues like not having anything comfortable to wear. You may be able to help your loved one cut back on stress by avoiding triggers, but learning to manage unavoidable stress triggers may require therapy, meditation, or other forms of relaxation.
You can help your loved one de-stress and live a happier life by promoting his or her independence. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Prestige Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Orlando Prestige Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. If you have any questions about senior emotional health issues or are looking for expert elderly home care, call us at (407) 232-7155.