All life stages come with their own stressors. However, seniors often face sources of stress and anxiety that they’re unsure how to address. There are many things that affect us in our golden years that may be hard to manage without help or guidance. Fortunately, with the right planning, you can tackle these sources of stress and experience a peaceful, contented, and even joyful retirement.
Arogyaveda is dedicated to helping people find overall wellness through customized ayurvedic lifestyle plans, yoga and massage. To find out more, call 734-436-1401.
Sleeping Problems
Sleeping issues affect a huge portion of adults in the US, with the CDC reporting a third of us having trouble falling or staying asleep. These problems can become more common – and harder to manage – with age. Chronic pain issues, changing circadian rhythms, and fluctuating hormones can all make sleep trickier and more complicated.
There are several ways you can address this. For example, you can consider looking into getting a new mattress. The wrong mattress can make chronic pain much worse, especially if it doesn’t suit your sleep style. On the flip side, a well-chosen mattress can help alleviate chronic pain.
Other environmental changes, such as light-blocking curtains or a sound machine, can make a difference as well. If none of these do the trick, however, it may be worth talking to your doctor about sleep aids or other medications which may make sleep easier. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes a sleep study might be able to identify specific concerns you need to address.
Money Worries
Many seniors also experience stress surrounding their finances. Even those of us who have put away plenty for retirement may still feel the pressure of potential spending weighing on our backs. For example, many older adults eventually decide to move into a retirement or assisted living facility. Often, they assume their insurance will cover the costs of these living situations, but as Modern Retirement explains, that’s usually not the case.
Some forms of insurance, such as Medicaid, do cover costs associated with assisted living. Others, like Medicare, only do so for short-term stays. Some forms of insurance may not cover the costs at all. It’s important to figure out what coverage your insurance offers, and figure out alternative financing options if necessary. Some seniors use retirement savings, or sell property in order to fund their assisted living stays.
Keeping Fit
Working out gets even more important as you age, since strength and balance go a long way toward preventing slips, falls and other injury-causing accidents. However, exercise is more complicated as you get older, as joint issues and other sources of chronic pain make it harder to keep fit. However, there are several good options for older adults who want to stay healthy.
Consider signing up for a group fitness class focused on seniors. Water aerobics classes are particularly good for those who don’t want to put too much pressure on their joints, gentle yoga can be a boon, and spinning classes are another joint-friendly option. If you are a Medicare subscriber you may qualify for the Silver Sneakers program, which gives you access to fitness centers and classes across the country.
Another excellent way to improve strength and balance, both physically and mentally, is by practicing yoga. Through a daily practice, you can feel not only increased physical alignment and less pain, but you will also likely find more inner alignment that can help ease anxiety and worry. If you’re new to Yoga, consider signing up for classes at Arogyaveda.
Reckoning With Mortality
Age often comes with an understandable but unavoidable fear: mortality. However, thinking about death in an upfront way is one of the best ways to shed the taboo and fear surrounding the end of life. Consider finding an environment where you can have a frank, honest conversation with others about mortality.
Stress and aging often go hand in hand. It’s often our first instinct to ignore or suppress stressful thoughts, but resist that urge. By facing sources of stress head-on, you can give yourself the chance to release some of the built-up negative energy and live a healthier, happier life.
Photo Credit: Pixabay