Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Stress management for seniors

The book “The Balancing Act of Stress Management” by Valerie Chestnut defines stress as a situation or change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress triggers your body’s automatic reaction, similar to a reflex, and manifests in various symptoms. These symptoms are often magnified in seniors, and proper stress management requires additional diligence as we or our loved ones age.

Stress can be caused by: Work-related issues, Financial struggles, Parenting challenges, Relationship troubles, Health concerns, Caregiving responsibilities

Typical signs and symptoms of stress include: Anxiety, sweaty palms, Mood fluctuations, Digestive issues (constipation or diarrhea), Dizziness and nausea, Teeth grinding, Headaches, Decreased energy levels, Trembling, Rapid breathing

Stress impacts both mental and physical health, leading to: Trouble concentrating, Memory problems, irritability, Impaired decision-making, Social withdrawa, lAggression, Unhealthy coping habits

Types of Stress: Acute Stress: Short-term stress, Chronic Stress: Long-term stress, Eustress: Positive stress (e.g., preparing for a vacation)

Chronic stress can have severe effects, such as speeding up your breathing rate, weakening your immune system, causing headaches and muscle pain, disrupting digestion, increasing the risk of diabetes, interfering with sleep, and leading to mental-health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Stress Management Techniques:

1. Positive Self-Talk: Influence your feelings, attitude, behavior, and perception of the world.

2. Gratitude Jar: Inspired by Valerie’s mother, keep a jar in your kitchen and add something special to it every day.

3. Self-Awareness: Become fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

4. Breathing Exercises: Take time for deep breathing to relieve stress.

5. Mindful Meditation: Centering exercises reduce fear, overthinking, and anxiety while promoting calm and inner peace.

6. Journaling for Joy: Record positive experiences to remember the good things in your life.

7. Gratitude Journaling: Focus on what you are thankful for.

8. Exercise: Essential for mental health.

Valerie emphasizes that stress is inevitable, but our response to it is crucial. By using these tools, you can take better care of yourself. For more information, you can reach Valerie at val.mindfulmatters@gmail.com.

Support for Jewish Seniors

While most seniors face significant adjustments – and stress – when transitioning to elder-care communities, Jewish seniors encounter additional challenges. They not only lose their homes and many friends but also their ties to cultural heritage. This is where Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, comes in. The Pavilion supports 450 Jewish residents in 50 senior facilities with room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more. Promoting inclusion, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services welcomes thousands of seniors of all faiths into their programs. For more information, visit JewishPavilion.org.

In addition, The Orlando Senior Help Desk (at 407-678-9363), a free resource provided by Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, assists thousands of callers, helping them navigate the complex senior care landscape, alleviating caregiver stress, and providing advice on various elder issues. For more details, visit OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.