Understanding & Managing Stress in Older Adults
by Margot Cahoon, Marketing & Communications Director, Decatur House
One topic that Decatur House doesn’t think gets enough attention is about how stress impacts older adults. That’s why we’re sharing some of our experience with identifying the signs, and sharing some tips for helping older adults to develop strategies for coping.
Understanding Stress in Older Adults
Stress is a natural part of life, but as people age, its effects can become more complex. While some stress can sharpen focus and help navigate challenges, chronic or prolonged stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health.
Older adults tend to face an evolving set of concerns, including:
- Health problems and chronic illness
- Financial insecurity, such as limited retirement income or rising medical costs
- Cognitive decline and memory issues
- Bereavement and grief after the loss of a spouse, friend, or pet
- Fears related to aging, including the loss of independence, fear of falling, or concerns about death
- Major life changes, like retirement or downsizing
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Caregiving responsibilities, particularly for a partner or relative with serious health needs
- Technology-related stress, which can limit access to support or services
At Decatur House owner, Linda Austin has always said that serving breakfast to residents is her favorite part of the day. “We make breakfast to order, and I get to talk with each resident and ask what they would like for breakfast. It tells me a lot about what their mood is like, I see how they look, what their appetite is like, if they seem out of sorts, or if they aren’t feeling 100%. It helps me to establish their baseline for the day,” she said.
Why Stress Hits Harder With Age
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress contributes to inflammation, which in turn plays a role in a wide range of age-related conditions: heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Chronic stress also weakens the immune system.
How to Recognize Signs of Stress in Older Adults
Stress is often so normalized that it goes unnoticed, especially when the symptoms mimic other health concerns. But as care givers, we can be attuned to physical, emotional, and behavioral changes, including:
- Irritability or anxiety
- Depression or apathy
- Mood swings or emotional withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Confusion or poor judgment
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Fatigue or low energy
- Aches and pains without a clear medical cause
- Avoiding social interactions
- Changes in eating habits
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Increased reliance on substances like alcohol or medication
Ways to Help Older Adults Cope With Stress
While stress can’t always be eliminated, it can be managed. Here are a few ways to reduce stress and support the well-being of older adults in your care:
- Identify Stressors – Work together to pinpoint the root cause of stress and find practical solutions. Talk about what’s on their minds and try to help find solutions. This could mean helping them to connect with financial resources or helping them with paperwork or technology. Decatur House Operations Director, Mikaela Strazzullo can often be found helping residents with their iPads, programming their TV remotes, and offering all sorts of technical assistance. See photo of Mikaela helping Connie with her iPad.
- Make Room For Connection – Laughing with grandchildren or friends, gardening, painting, or listening to favorite music, can provide important emotional relief for older adults – everyone really! Help your older adult to reconnect with hobbies or interests and find ways to stay socially engaged.
- Promote Physical Activity – Regular movement, even gentle exercise like walking or stretching, can improve mood, reduce tension, and support better sleep. Moderate physical activity is a great stress reducer. Donna Klucevsek, a martial arts teacher, whose mom, Tilly was a resident of Decatur House, volunteers regularly at the House to teach Tai Chi and also chair boxing. The residents love mixing up their fitness routines with fun stress reducing exercises. See photo above
- Encourage Nutritious Eating and Hydration – A well-balanced diet and plenty of water help combat the effects of stress on the body. Eating nutrient-rich foods can stabilize mood, support brain health, and improve energy levels.
- Prioritize Restful Sleep – Create a cozy environment and bedtime routine to encourage deep, restorative rest. Consistent sleep patterns and a calming nighttime ritual can reduce stress-related insomnia. Talk this through with your older adult and help them establish good sleep practices. At Decatur House, staff turn down residents beds and close their blinds to help promote these rituals.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques – Whether it’s listening to calming music, journaling, or simply spending quiet time outdoors, mindfulness builds resilience. You can help your older adult to try some of these relaxation techniques to reduce stress. At Decatur House residents enjoy different relaxation techniques. We have a Reiki practitioner who visits monthly to share her healing energies (see photo with Fran), beautiful gardens that residents love to enjoy. Adult coloring books are another great relaxation technique. See photo of Maggie above.
Caring
Showing that you care is the best way to help an older adult with their stress. By recognizing the signs of stress early and encouraging practical coping tools, caregivers can make a powerful difference in the lives of older adults.
Creating a supportive environment, where open conversations, gentle encouragement, and daily routines are the norm, helps older adults feel seen, empowered, and more in control of their lives.
If you or your aging loved one need additional guidance, your local council of aging is a wonderful resource. If you happen to live on Cape Cod, we welcome you to reach out to us at Decatur House www.decaturhouse.com or [email protected].
Decatur House is privately owned, 38-apartment assisted living, located in the heart of historic Sandwich Village in beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts
