Senior citizens face numerous anxiety-inducing issues, including health problems, loss of close friends and life transitions such as moving to a nursing home. In addition, certain health conditions that afflict older adults, such as Alzheimer's, can cause anxiety. For physical or psychological reasons, some seniors aren't able to cope with their anxiety alone and need help from family or caretakers. Learn treat anxiety in the elderly through diet, herbal teas and stress-relieving social interaction.
Instructions
1. Determine the cause of the anxiety. An elderly person's anxiety can stem from purely psychological factors, such as health worries, changes in surroundings and routine or even news events. Other causes include physiological conditions, such as Alzheimer's, hyperthyroidism or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Talk with the person about their concerns and physical symptoms.
2. Ensure a nutrient-rich diet. Make sure the elderly person gets plenty of B-complex vitamins, found in foods such as whole grains, bananas and lentils. These vitamins support the nervous system and are essential for mental health. Serve dairy products and leafy green vegetables for calcium; calcium deficiency can lead to anxiety, mood swings and mental confusion. Serve foods rich in selenium (a trace element found in Brazil nuts, mushrooms and fish), which can help combat anxiety and symptoms of senility. Offer a multivitamin and nutrient-dense supplements such as brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish oil and molasses.
3. Offer calming herbal teas or supplements, such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, linden, lemon balm, catnip, passionflower and schisandra. A preliminary study published in the Nov. 16, 2002, issue of the journal Physiotherapy Research found valerian extract to be as effective as diazepam (Valium).
4. Encourage social activities. Suggest joining in events at senior citizens' centers or seniors' clubs, to play chess, knit, paint or do other activities. Look for local tour companies that offer day trips designed for the elderly. Find an activity partner to accompany the elderly person on walks. Volunteering at a library, school or food bank provides not only social interaction, but also a sense of purpose.
5. Ask seniors which stress-management techniques have always worked best for them, and help them find ways to engage in those activities. If the older person used to read for stress relief but has stopped due to failing vision, get her some audio books. If the older person can no longer garden outdoors for relaxation, help him set up an indoor herb garden.
Tags: elderly person, anxiety elderly, cause anxiety, herbal teas, older person, social interaction, such Alzheimer