Health Stressors for the Elderly

There are many different types of health issues that can arise in people of all ages. If you take care of an elderly adult, you should know more about the health stressors that are common for the elderly. These stressors can cause them to worry, become ill, become financially unstable, and more. If your elderly loved one is dealing with health stressors, talk to them, be there for them, and help them in any way that you can. This might even include hiring elderly care providers to come help care for them.

Deteriorating Health

One of the most common health stressors in the elderly is deteriorating health. There are many health problems that can cause deteriorating health. These might include cancer, infections, Crohn’s disease, dementia, and many others, as well. Health issues can be physical or mental health related. Knowing more about your loved one’s health condition can help you to better understand what they are going through and better understand what is stressing them out.

Needing Others More and More

Another one of the common health stressors for the elderly is needing others more and more. Your elderly loved one might be stressed because they feel like a burden. They might need yours, other family members, and elderly care providers help more often than they used to. This can cause them to become stressed. Let your elderly loved one know they don’t have to worry. You are happy to be there to help them out.

Costs of Healthcare

Your elderly loved one might be stressed because of all their healthcare costs, too. They might be having more financial strain due to their increased health issues. If they don’t currently have insurance, help them to get it if possible. In addition, if they need state assistance, see if they qualify. Covering healthcare costs can be difficult for anyone, especially an elderly adult who doesn’t have much income.

Loss of Energy and Ability to Do Things

Two other healthcare stressors for the elderly include losing their energy and losing their ability to do things they once enjoyed. They may feel mentally or physically exhausted. This can be causing them to lose their energy which in turn causes them to lose their ability to do things they loved to do before. Exercise and eating right can help your loved one to regain their energy and hence their ability to do things they love.

These are some of the common health stressors for the elderly. If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of these health stressors, do what you can to help them feel better. Let them know you are there for them no matter what. If needed, get them elderly care providers to help care for them, as well.

Sources
https://www.elderly.gov.hk/english/healthy_ageing/mental_health/stress.html
https://www.health.harvard.edu/aging/how-stress-affects-seniors-and-how-to-manage-it

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring elderly care in Paradise Valley, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!