In a new community, 66-year-old Cliff struggled to find affordable senior housing, while 62-year-old Linda faced the daunting challenge of losing her job and marriage right before the pandemic hit. Meanwhile, 83-year-old Charlsie grappled with technophobia, which unintentionally isolated her from loved ones who could offer much-needed help. Despite their differences, these older adults shared one common thread: stress.

Stress, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a mental response to challenging circumstances like financial instability, job loss, or social isolation. While stress can be helpful in some situations, chronic stress can lead to negative health outcomes that worsen with age.

As Jennifer Tripken, associate director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging, noted, stress and aging have a unique relationship that requires special attention. Stress impacts older adults more significantly, as it is closely linked to inflammation that can exacerbate age-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

The signs of stress in older adults can manifest in various ways, including headaches, digestive issues, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining long-term health and well-being.

To combat stress, individuals can take proactive steps such as identifying and addressing the source of stress, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, and practicing mindfulness through meditation. By implementing these strategies, older adults can better manage stress and improve their overall quality of life.

While stress is a common aspect of life, especially for older adults facing unique challenges, taking steps to address and alleviate stress can have a profound impact on one’s health and well-being as they age.