Anxiety Is on the Rise
The pandemic has brought death, illness, job loss and job insecurity. Not surprisingly, older adults are more anxious and worried.
Everyone seems to be more stressed out these days as we continue to be impacted by social distancing and the economic fallout of the coronavirus. Health care workers and those in the restaurant and tourism industries have been hit particularly hard, but older adults account for some grim statistics of their own.
Older Adults at Risk
Close to half (46%) of older adults in a July survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) said that worry and stress related to COVID-19 was having a negative effect on their mental health, up from 31% in May. These numbers don’t include older adults in care facilities, where isolation (and the risk of infection and death) is even higher. It’s well documented through numerous studies that loneliness among older adults leads to an elevated risk of premature death, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and suicide.
Perhaps surprisingly, although older adults account for 80% of all COVID-related deaths, they are less anxious than any other age group surveyed. This may be because retirees don’t have added fears around job loss and child care. However, bereavement is likely to be higher among older adults.
Signs of Stress
Although anxiety, stress and declining mental health will affect people in different ways, these are some common symptoms:
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increase in fear and worry about yourself or others
• Increase in tobacco, alcohol and/or drug use
• Increase in sadness, anger or inability to control temper
Getting Help
Fortunately, assistance is available so you don’t have to go it alone. Here are some ways you can help ward off stress:
• Take care of your body. Stretch, meditate, close your eyes and take deep breaths. Eat healthy meals, exercise daily, and get plenty of sleep. Meditation apps such as Calm can help you relax.
• Connect with other people. Call or FaceTime with other people to chat.
• Take breaks from the news, including social media.
• Make time to unwind. Take a walk, garden, read a book or enjoy a hot bath.
• Connect with faith- or community-based organizations such as a church, senior center or synagogue. This may need to be online or by phone to keep socially distanced.
While cost may be a concern for some, it may be very difficult to find a provider. Psychiatrists, in particular, may limit the number of patients with Medicare or opt-out entirely because they are reimbursed at a lower rate than for clients with private insurance. If you have traditional Medicare, go here for information about mental health coverage, including for low-income adults. People with Medicare Advantage plans should call their insurer for details about their plan. Fortunately, changes have been made to Medicare as a result of the pandemic. Traditional Medicare will cover Telehealth services, including for mental health.
Times are hard, but the pandemic won’t last forever. We can all help by calling friends and family to chat and listen. Mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, any more than cancer is. Both are diseases that can be treated. Reaching out to get help, or give help, will make all of us stronger in the long run.
Source: Society of Certified Senior Advisors Blog: http://blog.csa.us/2020/12/health.html
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
