Stress and Aging: How Seniors in Lexington, KY, Can Stay Healthy

According to the 2024 American Psychiatric Association's annual mental health poll, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year. Current events, particularly the economy, are among the primary anxiety triggers. Furthermore, over half (53%) said that stress has had the most significant impact on their mental health.

While the younger generation may experience more stress than older adults, seniors can still be under much duress. For instance, they may worry a lot about their health or ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).

Even more concerning is the connection between stress and aging: the former can induce the early onset of the latter. For this reason, older adults should never ignore stress and do what they can to manage it.

The caring team at Preston Greens Senior Living, our senior living community in Lexington, KY, has shared practical tips for managing stress in aging, so please read on.

Understand the Link Between Stress and Aging

The first step to effective stress management is understanding the connection between stress and aging. After all, with knowledge comes empowerment. When seniors better understand and know what stress can do to them, it can encourage them to become more mindful of their stressors.

One connection is between chronic stress and biological aging. According to an article published by SciTechDaily.com, researchers have found evidence that stress can trigger the brain to manifest signs of DNA damage and senescence. Senescence refers to the gradual deterioration of a living organism's functional characteristics or, in short, the process of growing old.

Stress, especially chronic or long-term, can also increase seniors' risk of developing age-related problems, such as cardiovascular health issues. According to an article from Yale Medicine, stress can lead to heart disease by:

Causing higher inflammation levels in the body
Contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries through inflammation
Raising blood pressure

Chronic stress can have adverse senior mental health effects. It can raise their risk of developing problems like anxiety and depression. It may also contribute to cognitive health impairments.

By knowing those stress-related problems, seniors will likely feel more motivated to identify and manage their stressors.

Spend Time Outdoors

According to the American Heart Association, spending time outdoors can help ease stress and anxiety. Being in nature can elevate seniors' moods and feelings of well-being and happiness.

The good news is that older adults have easy access to many beautiful outdoor areas in Lexington, KY, such as:

The Arboretum
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary (just outside Lexington)
Thoroughbred Park
Jacobson Park
The Legacy Trail
Hisle Farm Park
Brighton Trail

Many of those nature spots and scenic trails are near Preston Greens Senior Living, thanks to the prime and convenient location of our memory care and personal care community in Lexington, KY.

Engage in Physical Activity

Physical activity helps older adults manage stress by boosting endorphins. Also called "happy hormones," endorphins are natural chemicals that help:

Regulate pain
Ease stress
Promote feelings of pleasure and well-being

At the same time, physical activity lowers adrenaline and cortisol levels, the body's stress hormones. So, regularly exercising can help seniors in Lexington, KY, further manage stress more effectively.

Engaging in regular physical activity can also help improve sleep quality. The better older adults can sleep, the more refreshed and rested they feel the next day. As a result, they can feel less stressed and more energetic to face the next day and do what they love doing.

At Preston Greens Senior Living, our personal care and memory care community in Lexington, KY, we always have a robust calendar of daily activities and events designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being for seniors. Just some of the things our residents here do for fun, recreation, fitness, and socialization are:

Arts and crafts
Brain games and puzzles
Health and wellness activities
Card games
Language lessons
Movies and social hours

Plus, we have stunning gardens and beautiful outdoor areas where our residents can enjoy some nature time. They can exercise here or relax and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with their family, friends, and neighbors.

Master Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation strategies can help reduce stress by activating the body's natural relaxation response. From slowing down breathing and heart rate to lowering blood pressure and promoting a sense of calm, seniors can enjoy all these benefits through the following techniques:

Mindfulness: Focusing on deep breathing exercises or gentle chair yoga
Meditation: Closing your eyes and simply breathing in and out for a few minutes daily
Guided Imagery: Visualizing beautiful, peaceful scenes
Tai Chi: A martial art that's gentle enough for seniors and can help promote mindfulness, relaxation, and better balance and flexibility

Older adults can also bust stress by doing something they love that calms and soothes them. For example, seniors who find massages relaxing should make time for them. Listening to music and socializing can also help.

Get Enough Sleep

Older adults should aim to get seven to nine hours of quality, restful sleep each night. Getting enough sleep is necessary since it helps:

The body and brain recover and restore functions
Regulate heart rate and blood pressure
Enhance moods
Maintain focus and improve attention
Lower levels of stress hormones, primarily cortisol
Alleviate irritability and anxiety

A good strategy for seniors trying to get more high-quality sleep is to set a regular bedtime schedule. The goal is to go to bed and wake up around the same time (e.g., 9 PM and 6 AM). Stopping screen use (television, smartphone, tablet, or computer) one to two hours before bedtime can also help.

Live Life With Less Stress

Stress and aging don't have to go hand in hand. Seniors can control their stress through knowledge and techniques, such as spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity.

At Preston Greens Senior Living, our senior living community in Lexington, KY, our goal is to help our residents lead their lives to the fullest with as little stress as possible. Here, our residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to a personal care team, many activities and events, chef-prepared meals, and many other amenities.

So, if you or your older loved one would like to enjoy stress-free, more enjoyable golden years, we encourage you to speak with us today and schedule a tour of our lovely community!