SENIOR LIVING: REDUCE STRESS TO FIND MORE DAILY PEACE.
After the last year or so, are you feeling on edge and worrying a lot? Occasional stress is a normal part of living, but when it interferes with everyday life, it’s wise to do something about it. April, which is Stress Awareness Month, is a perfect time to learn some good coping strategies.
Shannon Schmidt, director of lifestyles at The Buckingham, said serious stressors for residents include family responsibilities, personal health, and of course the unknowns of world events and the economy. They have a community of support to encourage and help one another through and a strong commitment to ensure The Buckingham is a safe and happy place to work and live.
“Our community strives to be proactive. It goes back to the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Schmidt said. “We empower residents with information and education. Giving them the tools they need to make decisions about their personal health is vital. We also give options to personalize needs such as healthy and tasty meal options, a selection of group and individual exercise programs and equipment, and outlets for education about medical conditions and prevention to an array of ailments … all of which are sparked by resident interest.”
Stress Awareness Month
“In April, with respect to Stress Awareness Month, we are taking what we do every day and enhancing it with reminders about the negative impacts stress can cause,” said Schmidt. The Buckingham has two dedicated licensed social workers who are available to both residents and staff of The Buckingham should the need arise.
“According to Dr. Dilip Jeste at the University of California — San Diego, it is important to know that seniors are less stressed, happier, and wiser than any other age group. As we age, we may lose physical well-being, but our emotional well-being and resilience improve,” said Patricia Will, founder and CEO of Belmont Village Senior Living. “Belmont Village’s health and wellness program, spanning nutrition, clinical support, physical and mental fitness, as well as learning and social interaction are tailored to keep the residents’ best interests at heart and improve their quality of life. Physical fitness is a key component of how residents manage their stress, with activities ranging from yoga, chair yoga, tai chi, aerobic exercise (recumbent bikes), mindfulness exercises and spiritual pursuits.”
Will said that the pandemic brought unprecedented stressors to the residents in their community, mainly stemming from the mandatory separation from family and friends due to quarantines and visitation limitations. Now, slowly approaching the other side of the pandemic, a lot of stress has been alleviated due to lifted restrictions by the gift of achieving “community immunity.” Seniors and staff are fully vaccinated.
Take action
Overall, it is critical to find ways to reduce stress. For example, playing calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body, lowering blood pressure and reducing cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
It is also shown that interacting with pets can lower blood pressure and relax you.
Daily exercise is a great way to fight off stress as well. Yoga and tai chi incorporate physical and mental stress-busting movements.
Also remember to eat healthy foods. When overwhelmed, people often don’t eat well, so try to plan ahead. Fresh fruits and vegetables are better choices than most snack foods and are packed with fiber and vitamins.
Deep breathing has many benefits as well, oxygenating the blood, helping center the body, and clearing the mind. It counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
Also remember to reach out when you’re uneasy. Talk to others and share what’s going on to get a fresh perspective on whatever is bothering you. A friendly voice can help soothe you.