Healthy vs Unhealthy Coping Skills for Seniors
4% of seniors experience depression at some point in their retirement, and a larger number experience low moods and anxiety.
This is a concern when planning your senior lifestyle in Tampa, as you'll want to make the most of the beautiful coastal surroundings without worries or stress detracting from your enjoyment. Coping strategies are vital, as they can help you stay resilient.
In this article, we'll share some healthy vs. unhealthy coping skills and resilience-building tips to guide you.
Coping Skills and Emotional Health in Aging People
As you head into your senior years, you'll have a lot of exciting plans in mind about how to spend your retirement.
Nevertheless, although you may have said goodbye to a commute and the 9-5, there will still be occasions when stress or worry emerges in your mind. You might even have dramatic life events to contend with, such as a chronic health diagnosis.
In such scenarios, it's essential to approach challenges with a positive mindset, ensuring they do not negatively impact your mental or physical health. That's what it means to have coping skills. It's about being resilient in the face of setbacks.
Stress and Anxiety Triggers for Seniors
In your senior years, there may be a lot of laughter and time to relax. But there will be other occasions when you face stress or worry. Here are some of the most common triggers:
Health Concerns
In your senior years, you might face a health diagnosis. That could be a chronic condition or something that brings about a dramatic change in your life. It can cause anxiety, with some seniors fearing they may lose their independence.
Bereavement
The death of a spouse, close friend, or even a loyal pet can trigger a wave of complex emotions, worries, and low moods. For some, it can trigger longer-term mental health problems like depression.
Financial Worries
In retirement, you're no longer receiving a salary from your permanent job, instead relying on pensions and savings. This can create worry for some seniors, who may feel anxious about unexpected expenses, such as medical treatments.
Moving Home
Retirement is often a time when people say goodbye to a family home and move into a senior living community. While this can be exciting, it can also create stress for some seniors if they view it as a major upheaval.
Senior Stress Management and Unhealthy Coping Strategies
There are often go-to solutions for most people when they feel stressed or worried. However, not all of these are healthy coping mechanisms, and some can actually create further issues or negatively impact your health.
Here are the unhealthy coping strategies to avoid:
Withdrawing From Your Social Life
If you find yourself avoiding friends or turning down party invitations, this could be a sign that you are beginning to withdraw from your social circles. While alone time can sometimes be valuable for processing feelings, too much of it can leave you isolated and prone to low moods.
Keep an eye on your social activity, and if you've spent too much time alone, arrange a coffee catch-up with a close friend.
Overeating
Turning to food for comfort can quickly become a habit, which could put you at risk of overeating. Weight gain and a lack of nutrition due to high consumption of processed foods puts your physical health at risk.
Try to swap snacking for a healthier coping strategy, such as exercise.
Alcohol
Relying on alcohol to soothe negative emotions can be dangerous in the long run. While a glass of wine might make you feel relaxed, alcohol dependency is always a risk, especially if you are using drinks to numb feelings of stress or anxiety. Try to keep your alcohol consumption in check.
Excessive Screen Time
Binge-watching TV or scrolling through your favorite social media platform can easily turn a half-hour of activity into an entire evening. It encourages a sedentary lifestyle, which can impact your health in your later years. Try to exercise after watching your favorite TV show.
Keeping Feelings to Yourself
It's essential to discuss your feelings with a trusted friend or counselor. Keeping emotions hidden can leave negative thoughts cycling through your mind, worsening feelings like stress and anxiety.
Healthy Coping Behaviors in Memory Care and Assisted Living
Being proactive and adopting healthy coping habits and routines can make a significant difference when you face a challenge. These routines provide stability and lay the foundation for strong mental health.
Be Active
Establish a daily routine that incorporates physical activity. Choose an exercise that you feel comfortable doing and one that you enjoy, whether that's a walk, fitness class, yoga, or swimming. Making it a daily habit will ensure you don't drop it during stressful periods.
Stay Connected With Others
Ensure each day includes a moment where you connect with others to guard against loneliness. Meet up with a friend, make a video call to a relative, or join a group craft activity in your senior living community.
Focus on Nutrition
One of the most positive aging strategies is a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
Maintaining a healthy body and stable blood sugar levels can have a profoundly positive impact on your overall well-being and mood. Swap heavily processed food for natural ingredients, and ensure each meal includes a generous serving of fruit or vegetables.
Make the Most of Tampa
At our Discovery Village at Westchase Senior Living Community in Tampa, you are fortunate to have a fantastic neighborhood right on your doorstep. Make the most of this.
Visit local amenities and attractions that excite you, such as Sunset Beach, Brooker Creek Preserve, or a local golf course.
Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Coping Skills: Staying Resilient
Knowing the difference between healthy vs. unhealthy coping skills can help you stay resilient during times of stress. Make sure to stay connected with others, lead a healthy lifestyle, and reach out to trusted friends for support if you feel overwhelmed.
Leading an active and fulfilling Tampa lifestyle in retirement begins with finding the right community.
At Discovery Village at Westchase, we offer a compassionate and personalized approach to care, along with stunning, resort-standard amenities. Discover more by booking a tour to explore our community.