A Look At Anxiety Problems In The Elderly

Anxiety disorders affect both the young and the old, with old suffering from age related stressors. We as caregivers tend to overlook these symptoms, assuming they are part and parcel of old age. My personal opinion is that we could do a lot to help elders cope with age related anxiety disorders.

A few pointers at anxiety disorders in the old:

1) All of us feel anxious and nervous when we are stressed; it turns into an anxiety disorder when the anxiety is frequent, overwhelming and affects one daily tasks, social life and relationships. It is significant to note that 10-20% of the elders suffer from anxiety; but it goes undiagnosed as it goes hand-in-hand with depression.

 

2) It is very rare that anxiety disorders begin in old age, though they are quite common in elders. The main reason for anxiety symptoms in elders are various stresses like retirement, loss or illness of a dear one, decline in physical, cognitive and emotional health and financial concerns; there could also be concerns like falling, being dependent on others, death or fear of being left alone.

3) There is an urgent need to attend to anxiety and anxiety disorders in the old; in its absence it could lead to problems like cognitive impairment, poor physical health, and poor quality of life.

Treatment for anxiety disorders in the elderly: 

1) Psychotherapy or counseling: It is first important to determine the cause of the anxiety disorder; this is best done by a mental health professional such as a geriatric psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. In most cases it is necessary to go in for cognitive-behavior therapy that helps elders to manage themselves.

 

2) Medication: Medications would not cure the anxiety disorder, but would prove very useful in controlling the disorder while your loved elder is in therapy. Anxiety disorders are treated with antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers; antidepressants being preferred to anti-anxiety medications as they are non-addicting and well tolerated. 

3) Improving quality and quantity of sleep: This is the want of elders suffering from anxiety disorders; it would be best to improve sleep by encouraging the elder to follow a good sleep routine before retiring to bed at night. It may in most cases require medicines. 

4) Adoption of stress management techniques: Adoption of these techniques like meditation, prayer, deep breathing from the lower abdomen, yoga, progressive relaxation and tai chi can prove highly beneficial in lower anxiety. 

5) Staying active physically and intellectually: Encouraging the elder to follow routines, do exercises and socialize would help. It would also help to take up relaxing activities and hobbies like gardening, fishing, art, and music.  

6) Avoid triggers that aggravate anxiety symptoms: This includes avoiding caffeine, smoking, over the counter cold medications and alcohol. 

Finally we as caregivers need to encourage our loved elders to take treatment for anxiety disorders; this is the greatest gift we can give them in old age.

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