Is Your Aging Loved One Stressed? Six Symptoms of Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Some would argue that stress is even vital for a healthy life. Eustress, or the positive type of stress, motivates us in order to achieve our goals. It can narrow our focus and enhance performance so that we can be productive and navigate the challenges of life. 

However, too much negative stress, or distress, can be detrimental to our health. It can cause and/or aggravate serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal illnesses. It can lead to obesity as well as cause certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. Chronic stress has been linked to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. 

Older adults are not immune to either eustress or distress. While eustress can help keep an older adult going, distress can overwhelm them and weaken their immune system. Many older adults aren’t accustomed to talking about their feelings of stress. However, stress presents itself in a variety of ways. If you are concerned that your aging loved one may be experiencing distress, here are six symptoms of stress. 

Difficulty Sleeping 

Stress interferes with a good night’s sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, it can cause insomnia and sleep problems. Although many older adults experience occasional nights of insomnia or disrupted sleep, chronic insomnia is not a normal part of aging. If your aging loved one has been having difficulty sleeping at night, it’s possible they are feeling stressed. 

Unwanted Weight Loss or Gain 

Stress affects appetite. It can cause some to overeat, or “stress eat” and others to lose their appetite. A gradual decrease in appetite is considered to be a normal part of aging. However, a sudden loss of appetite that results in unwanted weight loss, can be a symptom of stress. Likewise, unwanted weight gain as a result of overindulging can also indicate that your loved one is stressed. 

Mood Swings

Stress can cause older adults to experience a variety of feelings, such as anxiety, anger, frustration, sadness, or fear. They can become irritable or hostile, especially when the stressor is mentioned in conversation. If you’ve noticed a change in your loved one’s mood, or more specifically, if they tend to experience drastic mood swings, they may be feeling stressed. 

Loss of Interest in Hobbies 

Older adults who are overwhelmed with stress often lack the motivation to engage in any sort of leisure pursuits. They also tend to isolate themselves from others and decline opportunities to socialize. If your loved one seems socially withdrawn or has stopped pursuing their favorite hobbies altogether, they could be stressed. 

Difficulty Concentrating

Stress requires a lot of mental resources, making it difficult for an older adult to concentrate or focus on the present moment. They may struggle to complete a routine task or make more errors than usual when following directions or simply living their everyday life. If you’ve observed your loved one losing the thread of conversation or they seem constantly distracted, it could mean they are stressed. 

Digestive Problems

Stress negatively impacts our gut and how our digestive system works. It can cause a range of gastrointestinal problems, such as cramping, bloating, inflammation, and loss of appetite. Stress can literally feel like there’s a knot in the stomach. If your loved one has been experiencing digestive problems and it’s not a result of eating spoiled food, they might be stressed. 

It’s important that older adults who are experiencing high levels of stress take action in order to alleviate some of their stress. If you think your aging loved one may be stressed, it might be time for them to get more help. Let Visiting Angels South Elgin be a part of your solution to help your aging loved one destress. We offer a comprehensive approach to home care that includes stress management. Our compassionate caregivers can engage your loved one in their favorite leisure pursuits, keep them company and listen as they share about their daily challenges. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 847-429-0100.