Unhealthy Coping Skills Seniors Should Watch For

According to the American Institute of Stress, roughly 44% of older adults who responded to a survey felt stressed. About 28% reported feeling depressed or hopeless.

Some people have found healthy ways to relieve some of that stress and deal with their emotions, such as exercise or socializing. It helps to live in La Quinta, CA, which has stunning natural scenery and senior-friendly amenities. However, not every individual has the same experience.

Here's what you need to know about these unhealthy coping skills and how seniors can do better.

The Link Between Aging and Stress

Stress doesn't end with youth. Instead, it changes form and becomes more complicated with age.

Older adults often experience chronic stress from factors like:

• Physical ailments
• Medication side effects
• Caregiving responsibilities
• Financial worries
• Reduced independence

If not addressed, this stress can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Chronic stress can cause harm to all parts of your body, including cognitive function, immune response, and cardiovascular health.

Too much stress is dangerous for seniors who already deal with an abundance of other medical issues. Their emotional wellness directly influences their physical health.

What Are Unhealthy Coping Skills?

Unhealthy coping skills are behaviors or habits people use to deal with stress or anxiety in their lives. However, they ultimately cause more harm than good.

Seniors, just like anyone else, can fall into these patterns. They're especially susceptible if they feel like they have fewer resources or social support.

Some unhealthy coping strategies seem minor at first. Over time, they can impair quality of life, worsen health conditions, and increase the risk of mental health disorders.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Common in Seniors

Every senior copes with anxiety in their own way. These are some of the most common ones that seniors should avoid and caregivers should watch out for.

Social Withdrawal

Social withdrawal is often one of the first signs that a senior is struggling emotionally. It may stem from grief, mobility issues, or embarrassment about cognitive decline. Unfortunately, isolation only deepens the emotional burden.

Warning signs of social withdrawal include:

• Canceling plans frequently
• Avoiding phone calls
• Showing less interest in hobbies or socializing

Family and friends of withdrawn seniors should encourage consistent social engagement.

Substance Abuse

While substance abuse may seem like a problem of youth, many seniors also turn to alcohol or medications to numb emotional pain. Some reports have shown rising rates of substance misuse among older adults.

Seniors may be misusing substances if they've increased alcohol intake, mix medications, or rely on over-the-counter drugs. A better approach is to monitor the substances they consume. Speak with a healthcare provider about any mental distress, and consider therapy or counseling.

Overeating or Undereating

Stress-related eating behaviors can be subtle. Some seniors overeat to soothe anxiety, while others lose their appetite completely due to depression. Either extreme can impact your health in a negative way.

You'll notice eating problems in older adults if they have significant weight gain or loss or if they're skipping meals. They may also choose to only eat comfort foods or eat more when they're emotional.

Aim for balanced nutrition and a regular meal schedule. Enlist the help of a dietitian to create healthier eating habits.

Excessive Sleeping or Insomnia

Changes in sleep are common with aging. However, excessive sleeping can signal depression, while insomnia may be driven by anxiety. Both interfere with emotional wellness and senior mental health.

Seniors can get a better night's sleep by maintaining a steady sleep schedule and keeping daytime napping to a minimum. If sleep issues persist, consult a physician or a sleep specialist who works with seniors.

Neglecting Personal Care

Sometimes stress manifests through neglect of basic needs. Seniors might feel overwhelmed or believe these routines no longer matter. Some warning signs include:

• Lack of hygiene
• Unwashed clothing
• Ignoring medical appointments
• Disinterest in maintaining appearance

Set small, achievable goals like brushing teeth daily or dressing up once a week. If necessary, enlist help from family or a caregiver to maintain routine care.

Irritability and Aggression

Anger can be a mask for fear, confusion, or sadness. Seniors facing issues like cognitive decline or chronic pain may not know how to process their emotions. Instead, they lash out at the people who want to help them.

You can help your senior loved ones express themselves through journaling, support groups, or counseling. Mindfulness and deep breathing can also reduce reactive responses.

Recognizing the Need for Help

Many seniors don't realize that their coping methods are unhealthy. They've done it for so long they think it's normal, or they may be too embarrassed to ask for help.

Family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals play a critical role in intervention. They can provide the outside perspective necessary for identifying and changing these negative behaviors.

Resources are available in La Quinta to help seniors stay emotionally and mentally strong. Seniors may also utilize online resources like virtual therapy.

Replacing Unhealthy Coping Skills With Healthy Ones

Behavior awareness is the first step to developing healthy coping strategies. Here are some senior-friendly alternatives to try out:

• Stay active
• Practice mindfulness
• Engage creatively
• Connect with others
• Talk it out

Staying connected with peers and family members is especially important after suffering a loss. Seniors may withdraw and completely change their routine to cope. This is not always the right solution.

Do not underestimate the value of speaking with a therapist, counselor, or support group. Ideally, they should focus on the struggles of aging and stress.

Find a Better Stress Response

Unhealthy coping skills may help a senior feel better at first, especially when dealing with grief or physical pain. However, they can often cause even more suffering later on. It's important to develop coping strategies that improve your quality of life, rather than harm it.

The Palms at La Quinta offers both assisted living and memory care apartments for seniors in La Quinta, CA. Our residents enjoy amenities ranging from restaurant-style dining to a state-of-the-art theater. Contact us with any questions and to set up a tour of our floor plans and community.