Stress - Understanding Its Effects on the Elderly

Stress is a normal part of everyday life. While young people are more resilient in dealing with the negative impact of stress, senior citizens can have a tougher time negotiating the physical effects stress can have on the body. In some ways, stress in small doses can be beneficiary in the sense that it serves to motivate us. But as we get older and our bodies become more sensitive to our environment, doing all we can to eliminate stress from our daily life becomes more important. Incidences of heart disease, infection, and depression become much more prevalent as we age and it's widely known that the psychological effects of stress play a direct role in the strength of the body's immune system. There are many activities and programs of which seniors can take advantage of that are directly designed to alleviate stress. Some of these programs can be found in local recreational or senior citizen assisted living facilities.

Let's take a moment to review some of the possible symptoms that stress can bring on:

Stress

Chest pain can no doubt be one of the most alarming symptoms. This is because it can mislead you to think you are having a heart attack. Regardless of whether you think this is true or not, immediate medical attention should be sought out if chest pain persists for any elongated period of time.

Stress - Understanding Its Effects on the Elderly

Shortness of breath can be another disturbing symptom. One effective way to deal with this sensation is to remind yourself that your lungs are actually getting enough air, and to simply sit down and control your breathing in a slower and relaxed pace.

Dryness of the mouth is another common symptom but probably the least threatening. Keeping regularly hydrated and with pure and healthy liquid sources is a quick and easy solution.

A persistent weakness in the legs and arms can also be result of stress. This is most likely due to the fact that stress can cause changes in blood oxygen and muscle tension. Light exercise is another quick and easy fix, not to mention the additional attributes that go along with physical activity. Visiting the gym on a regular basis in your local fitness center or senior facility, is a great way to stay ahead of the curve should this symptom be an issue.

Having a better understanding of how these symptoms affect your body will be the first step in taking back control of your life from stress. Read reviews on Dre Beats!

Stress - Understanding Its Effects on the Elderly

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Sky Palma is a freelance staff writer.

Stress Management - Understanding the 4 Different Types of Stress

We all deal with stress in one form or another. Whether it comes in the form of a small problem, like having to wake up on a Monday morning for work, or a huge issue such as dealing with a family crisis, our bodies take a beating from this type of tensions on a daily basis. How each of us deals with each of these stressful situations is what decides how adversely or positively we are affected in the long run.

Psychologists state that there are four types of mental stress and people from all walks of life have dealt with at least one of them in their lifetime.

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1. Eustress is a healthy and positive form of stress and it is experienced when a person achieves a goal or is rewarded for having succeeded in something. Generally it leaves one feeling fulfilled.

2. Distress is the total opposite of Eustress and is the most common form of stress. It often gives one a feeling of anxiety or mental strain. This is something we all go through in our daily lives and often we don't even notice it happening.

3. Acute Stress comes immediately and is intense but often subsides quickly and is the body's way of getting you to take control of a situation. This may occur when a person is threatened in some way and may even occur even if there is just a perceived threat. Symptoms may include anxiety, bad judgment and depression.

4. The worst form of stress is Chronic Stress which is a result of the body being under constant strain. Our bodies can handle a certain amount of tension in order to help us cope in dangerous situations. When the body is under strain due to pressure at work, busy traffic, family pressures, money worries and health concerns and this goes on for a prolonged period of time, it becomes dangerous and can lead to serious illnesses.

There are very many different ways to combat stress, some more helpful than others. Most people talk with a therapist about their issues and at times their therapist will prescribe medicine to aid in reducing stress. But medicines typically only dull the pain and the symptoms relating to their anxiety occur again once the medication wears off. There are of course more holistic stress relief and management options, which should in our opinion be explored first.

No matter what pressures you may be under it is not good for you to strain yourself all the time. Our modern lifestyles force a certain amount of stress on us but you need to be aware of what stress you are under and how it is affecting you. Pay attention to your body and if you need help to get through a stressful situation then don't wait. The quicker you can relieve your tension the fewer symptoms you will suffer from in the long run.

Stress Management - Understanding the 4 Different Types of Stress

Stress can be a debilitating condition. Discover more info on stress management and stress relief. You can also check out the Totally Tranquil Program - free downloadable demo.

See Also : World Health Club