Stress can be understood as "a set of alterations that occur in the organism as a physical response to certain repetitive stimuli, it is an emotional tension that affects the nervous system of the human being, giving important changes at this stage, such as sleep modification, depression, physical, bodily, sensory and motor changes" (Zambrano, Loor, Mera and Pinargote, 2019).
There are two types of stress: acute and chronic, and as you can imagine, the former is of short duration and arises when faced with a challenging or dangerous situation. On the other hand, chronic stress is pathological because it lasts over time and if not controlled produces negative effects on people's health such as: increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, weakening of the immune system, among others (What is chronic stress?, 2022). Symptoms that are quite detrimental in the stage of older adulthood. To avoid these problems, here are some recommendations that may be useful.
Some recommendations for the elderly to cope with stress
1. Breathing
When older adults perceive stress in daily life, they can stop for a few minutes and breathe slowly by breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, without any hurry.
2. Physical Activity
Physical exercise is essential in old age to maintain the physical functioning of muscles and bones, as well as to maintain a good state of health. In addition, through physical exercise, people feel well-being and personal satisfaction, which reduces stress.
3. Entertainment activities
These depend on the personal tastes of each older adult and can be activities such as painting, singing, playing an instrument, listening to music, among others. The family has to be a protective factor for the older adult and prevent the feeling of loneliness or depression and anxiety.
Recommendations for the family of the elderly
1. Listening to the older adult
Dialogue is extremely beneficial and it is important for older adults to feel that they are listened to and that their opinions are validated.
2. Sharing leisure activities with the older adult.
It can be the same hobbies that are important to the older adult or simply sharing as a family.
Bibliographic references
Zambrano, E. Loor, D. Mera, M. and Pinargote, M. (2019). The family environment as a stress factor in the older adult of Portoviejo.
What is chronic stress (2022). Sanitas. Retrieved from: https://www.sanitas.es/sanitas/seguros/es/particulares/biblioteca-desalud/psicologia-psiquiatria/estres-ansiedad/estres-cronico.html
