How to Calm an Older Adult’s Anxiety

Anxiety is a common illness among older adults, affecting as many as 10-20 percent of the older population, according to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation. Older adults are likely to be affected by anxiety for a number of reasons, including different medical conditions, medication interactions or any circumstances that worsen the ability to think, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

For most people feeling anxious will pass quickly when they no longer sense any danger. However, a person with anxiety can find it very difficult to stop thinking and feeling that something bad is about to happen.

Tips to Calm Anxiety in Older Adults

For caregivers helping to manage an aging loved one’s anxiety, it can be stressful to find ways to calm them. Having an array of tools to pull from can be helpful. We’ve compiled some tips from professional and family caregivers.

1. Listen to music

Music is a powerful tool for mood regulation and stress. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can improve sleep quality and decrease depression. Many caregivers find that, if it’s meaningful to them, playing familiar spiritual music can have a calming effect on their aging loved ones. For another caregiver, her aging loved one calms to the sound of bagpipes, a familiar sound from childhood.

2. Pray

Caregivers who support aging loved ones who value faith find that praying together is a powerful calming tool. Studies have found secular and spiritual forms of meditation create greater decreases in anxiety and stress and a more positive mood.

3. Exercise

Scientists have found about five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects. So, whether it’s taking a walk, dancing to music or simply stretching, physical activity is an effective tool to calm anxiety. Going outside for a walk is also a great idea to get fresh air! A study in the journal Health & Place, showed that older adults who spent time in blue and green outdoor areas, such as grassy parks or on the edge of koi ponds, enjoyed increased feelings of renewal, restoration and spiritual connectedness.

4. Share something familiar

Caregivers find that sharing beloved books or movies from the past can help to calm anxiety. Many find reading favourite children’s books or reciting nursery rhymes especially helpful.

5. Share a treat or favourite food

One caregiver says “ice cream works like a charm” when her aging loved one is feeling anxious. Another says that chocolate pudding is a must-have in times of stress. Don’t forget the comfort a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup can bring.

6. Spend time with a pet

Pets can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase the body’s natural mood booster, serotonin, in their owners. Even if it is not with their own pet, studies have shown the therapeutic effects for older adults who interact with animals.

7. Go for a drive

Whether it’s the change of scenery or the lull of the engine, caregivers find that going for a drive can have calming effects on older adults who feel anxious.

8. Offer a security object

Oftentimes, caregivers find that a special object can calm anxiety. One caregiver says that for her mother, that special object is a baby doll that she can hold and reminds her of the grandchildren that she used to care for. For another, that special object is a warm blanket.

9. Share memories

Recalling memories of happy times—whether looking through saved greeting cards, letters or older photo albums—can have a calming effect on older adults.

10. Promote physical contact

Human touch is a powerful thing. Remember that a hug, a hand massage or brushing your loved one’s hair can go a long way.

11. Have a conversation

The type of conversation can vary and will depend on the level of anxiety in place. It could be a fun chat, a joke or a more direct discussion recounting facts, providing information. Regardless of the conversation, the goal is to make the older adult feel safe and loved.

Adult children may be in the best position as companions to apply the above calming strategies for their elder parents. However, in many instances such as being overseas, having sizable work, family or other personal commitments, complicated commutes, own health problems etc., adult children could consider the services of a professional caregiver for their parents.