Anxiety and older age

As we age, our thoughts and concerns can turn to topics such as our health, our loved ones' health, friends, and family. Older age can bring newfound time to try new hobbies, hang out with loved ones, and rediscover oneself. Older age can bring a myriad of new things into our lives. With so much new and so many changes, it can be easy to neglect one's mental health. 
In this week's blog post, I want to address anxiety and how it can affect older adults. Anxiety affects the part of the brain responsible for fear and emotional regulation. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in older adults, with about 14 - 17 percent of the 65+ population being affected. While many older people have anxiety, typically only about a third of them receive any care, which can lead to a misrepresentation of the actual amount of older adults with anxiety. 

Older adults with the following can be at increased risk of anxiety:

• sleep issues 
• longterm medical conditions
• physical impairments 
• certain medications 

The following are some of the symptoms of anxiety in older adults:

• avoiding activities and socialization 
• insomnia
• decreased appetite
• easily alarmed 
• intrusive thoughts 
• trembling 
• sweating 
• racing heart rate 
• muscle tension 
• irritability 
• stomach aches 
• headaches 

​In older adults, anxiety can lead to the development of phobias and worsened panic attacks. Anxiety disorders in older adults can manifest physically as increased loneliness. Due to the similarity in symptoms to other conditions, symptoms of anxiety can often be blamed on physical conditions. We must understand how anxiety manifests itself in older adults to get the proper care. 
If you or someone you know is possibly dealing with anxiety, contact our office. 

Blog by Norma 
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/anxiety-in-the-golden-years.html