Expert Strategies for Seniors in Miami to Tackle Anxiety

Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments

According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 10-20 percent of older adults are affected by anxiety disorders. In most cases, it is often undiagnosed. Senior helpers in Miami-Dade bring you a detailed breakdown of types of anxiety disorders, signs and symptoms, their causes, and how to help seniors manage the stress menace.

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorder is an excessive and persistent worry that interferes with typical body performance and how seniors perform their daily activities. The ongoing tension and fear differ from usual concerns.

Types of Anxiety Disorders in Seniors

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD is the most common anxiety among seniors. Seniors struggling with GAD constantly worry about any situation. They mostly feel on the edge and experience tension and lack emotional control.
• Social anxiety disorder: Most seniors with this type of anxiety feel highly nervous when involved with others. They fear being judged by others, or they might do something that can embarrass themselves. They avoid social situations or be unable to maintain or make new friends.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Seniors in Miami-Dade who struggle with OCD experience recurring unwanted thoughts or compulsions. They try to create a sense of control by performing some actions repeatedly, for example, counting the number of tiles. They might also experience intrusive thoughts like being involved in an accident.
• Phobia: This disorder is characterized by an extreme, debilitating fear of things that do not pose any significant fear. It makes seniors avoid specific situations or objects. These phobias include agoraphobia (fear of the outside world), heights, driving, dental procedures, insects, and thunderstorms.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

The distinct symptoms of anxiety in seniors include:

• Constant fear and panic
• Obsessive thoughts
• Trouble with focus and memory
• Restlessness
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Ritualistic actions (for example, repeated handwashing)

These symptoms are associated with physical signs such as:

• Heart palpitation
• Hot flashes
• Trembling
• Chronic headaches
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Sweaty hands
• Frequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Short breath

These signs and symptoms affect seniors’ quality of life and daily activities.

Causes of Anxiety Disorder in Seniors

Anxiety is not caused by something specific. Environmental triggers and situations combined change constant fears to excessive anxiety. These are the common risk factors that may lead to anxiety in seniors:

• Limited physical mobility
• Traumatic life events such as the death of a spouse
• Financial insecurity
• Insomnia
• Chronic health conditions
• Childhood trauma
• Abuse of drugs and medications
• Side effects of some prescription drugs

How can Seniors in Miami-Dade Manage Anxiety

Seeking medication should be the priority in case of adverse symptoms. This is if they exceed typical daily worries. However, these practices make seniors in Miami-Dade avoid and manage anxiety:

• Talking it out: A problem shared is a problem half solved. Share your experiences and feelings with others in-person or on online platforms. You can talk to family members, trusted friends or spiritual leaders. They will make you feel less anxious.
• Manage stress in a personal capacity: Sometimes, all you need to relieve stress is some quiet time with yourself. Activities such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation reduce some physical signs of anxiety and keep you relaxed.
• Get enough sleep: A study by the University of California, Berkeley, showed that insufficient sleep contributes to a 30 percent rise in anxiety levels. Seniors should get 7 to 9 hours of continuous sleep per night.
• Avoid Stimulants: Some substances trigger an anxiety disorder in seniors. They include nicotine, caffeine, some herbal supplements, and alcohol. Avoid these stimulants, or consider taking smaller portions.

Get Professional Senior Home Care in Miami

Sometimes you or your loved one need a professional helper to make life more bearable. Advancare is a premier senior home care services provider in Miami-Dade. We help show you and your loved ones the care they deserve. Contact us to schedule a free evaluation.