Healthy Living conditions older adults experience as they age. Cortisol and adrenaline, released when we are under stress, raise heart rates and blood pressure. Already suppressed due to age, stress can further dampen our immune system’s ability to protect us. It can create digestive problems and affect sleep. It can worsen chronic conditions including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, dementia, and cancer. How Do We Recognize Stress That May Be Causing Us Issues? The signs of stress can be difficult to recognize, especially for older adults who may already experience age-related symptoms. Here are a few of the ways stress may manifest itself: • Feeling tired, sleeplessness, or poor concentration. • Worry, irritability, or negative feelings or attitude. • Headaches or increases in pain, constipation or diarrhea, or shortness of breath. A little planning can do a lot to offset these effects. Diet and nutrition are very important. Freeze nutritious meals so that on days when things are hectic, it’s easy to pull them from the freezer, rather than eating out or snacking. Focus on getting enough sleep and implement good sleep hygiene, including limiting screen time (including television) well before bedtime, reducing caffeine intake, and using room-darkening curtains. Build in time for exercise; it will alleviate stress, help manage the extra calories
Easing Holiday Stress for Older Adults By Karen Fogas Healthy Living Program Director The holidays will quickly be upon us, and while they can be joyous, for many older adults, this time of year can also be fraught with sadness and stress. Holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can be a reminder of happier times spent with people who are no longer in our lives. Even at their best, they can tax emotional and physical stamina. By understanding how they may impact us and developing a plan for managing emotions around the holidays, we can enjoy this time without depleting our reserves or experiencing unnecessary stress.
that pop up around the holidays, and help with sleep. A walk in nature soothes the mind and provides exercise, too. Take a mental inventory of your support system and build a visit or two into the season. If your support system is a little lean, try meditation, talk with a counselor, or faith leader. With a little forethought and planning, the holidays can be less stressful and more joyful. Make Meaningful Impact Become a Healthy Living Workshop Volunteer! Every day, countless adults face the challenges of chronic health conditions, including chronic pain. But with the right support, they can lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. At PCOA, we believe in the power of community and education. Our Healthy Living workshops empower participants with practical tools to manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. These small-group sessions, offered in-person and virtually, are interactive, supportive, and transformative. Over six weeks, participants build confidence, share successes, and discover new ways to thrive. We’re looking for compassionate volunteers who want to make a differ- ence. If you’re passionate about help- ing others live well despite chronic conditions, we invite you to join us. Ready to inspire meaningful change? Contact Karen Fogas at kfogas@pcoa.org or (520) 305-3409 to learn more about becoming a Healthy Living Workshop volunteer.
Does Stress Affect Older Adults More?
The answer is yes. Unfortunately, stress also aggravates inflammation which is at the core of many chronic
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Pima Council on Aging
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