It is estimated that by the year 2050 there will be two billion people worldwide who are 60 years of age or older! These valuable citizens face special physical and mental health challenges which are unique to their age bracket. Each challenge needs to be recognized and addressed appropriately.

The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. However, more than 20% of seniors suffer from mental or neurological disorders which are not a normal part of aging.

Two of the most common are Anxiety and Mood Disorders, which includes Depression. Substance abuse is also of concern as it is easy to overlook in the senior population, and is often misdiagnosed.

Many in this age group suffer from the stigma surrounding mental health concerns which makes them afraid to seek help. In addition, one fourth of deaths caused by self-harm are senior citizens.

Obviously, when not diagnosed or treated, mental health concerns can create serious problems for seniors and their loved ones.

The good news is there are many activities which can reduce the risk of stress and mental illness in seniors. Here are six simple ones.

1. Mental stimulation:

The brain needs stimulation to stay healthy, just as the body needs exercise to stay healthy. The list of possible activities is endless and includes brain teasers, learning a language, playing an instrument and playing board games or journaling.

2. Keep physically active:

This does not mean strenuous exercising. There are many fun ways to keep physically active such as dancing, yoga and leisurely walks. Most of us are aware how physical activity releases endorphins which helps a person feel better. Physical activity is also a good stress release. A cousin loved to dance and her therapist told her to ‘dance her anger out’. She danced so hard her feet bruised, but it worked.

3. Stay Connected:

It can be difficult to stay connected with family and friends. Everyone is busy with their own lives and many retirees do not wish to be a nuisance to their friends or a burden to their children. Sending, or receiving a phone call or greeting card can work wonders for lifting one’s spirits.

4. Volunteer:

This is another way for seniors to stay connected and to feel validated. Volunteering for a worthy cause gives seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

5. Find a hobby:

Hobbies bring enjoyment, keeps the mind active and usually involves companionship. Depending on the activity a hobby, such as golf, can include physical exercise.

6. Caring for a Pet:

Many studies show how the bond between humans and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress and bring happiness. Other benefits of owning a pet are a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in feeling lonely and increased opportunities for socializing.

While furry animals which can be held and petted are most ideal, a caged bird or fish in a tank can be helpful.

If owning a pet is not an option then volunteering at an animal shelter or pet sitting can work wonders.

All content Copyrighted, 2023, by Crystal Linn no portion of this document may be reproduced, in any form without express written permission of the author.

The first time I discovered the word eustress (pronounced YOU-stress) was while doing research for one of my columns. The clinical term eustress is a combination of the Greek prefix eu and the word stress. If you are unaware of the fact, the Greek prefix eu means well, good, pleasant and true. A good example would be the word euphoria.

The term eustress was coined by Dr. Hans Selye, a Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist. Dr. Selye did much research on the body’s response to stress and realized there are both positive and negative stressors in our lives. He also discovered that negative stress itself can kill a person just like a disease can. Other experts have carried on the research he began, and continue to learn more about how stress impacts our daily lives for good or for bad.

Stress, in and of itself, can be defined as the body and mind’s response to changes in our lives which can create taxing demands on us. Often the issue is not the stressors in our lives themselves, but rather our perception of those stressors.

 Eustress is the positive response we feel about specific stressors in our lives. This response is the result of many factors such as desirability, timing and a feeling of being in control. As we confront eustress stressors they can give us hope, enthusiasm and a sense of satisfaction. All of these contribute to improving our health, both physically and mentally.

There are limitless examples of eustress events in our lives such as graduating from college, beginning a new job, getting married, purchasing a home, learning a new skill and having a baby.

The term  distress, as used in clinical settings, dates back to the late 1300s and is defined as circumstances which cause anxiety or hardship. Distress is negative stress which feels unpleasant, can cause anxiety and is perceived as beyond our coping abilities. Distress can be short or long term, and it always takes a toll on our physical health and on our mental health.

Like eustress, the examples of distress are limitless. Three of those examples are terminal illness, the loss of a friendship and the death of a loved-one.

I encourage you to mentally step back and examine the stressors in your personal life then change them from distress to eustress. It is not as difficult as it sounds Here are two examples. While divorce is considered a distress, it could become a eustress, especially if one’s spouse was abusive. Losing one’s job has always been considered a horrible, negative stressor, a distress. Yet in acquiring a much better job the distress, the fear, becomes the eustress, the motivator.

The physical and mental health benefits of creating more eustress in my own life have been priceless. I am calmer, have more energy, and am healthier, thus I am happier. I wish the same for you, my readers.

All content Copyrighted, 2023, by Crystal Linn no portion of this document may be reproduced, in any form without express written permission of the author.