Anxious Thoughts? Here’s How Older Adults Can Find Relief
June 15, 2025 | Connectedness, Mental Health, Physical Activity
Anxiety, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure. For older adults, anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including health concerns, financial stress, social isolation, or a loss of independence. These emotions can be especially overwhelming for solo agers, who may face them without a support system nearby. As a caregiver, you may feel at a loss, trying to help your loved one cope with anxiety but unsure of how to provide relief.
Anxiety is a valid human response to stress or change, and it can feel consuming at times. While these feelings may not disappear completely, there are supportive strategies that can help you manage them. We’ve gathered four helpful suggestions that may bring some relief and encourage a greater sense of calm and balance for both caregivers of older adults and or solo agers.
Improve eating habits
Eating the right foods can do more than nourish the body—it can also help reduce anxiety. By choosing foods that boost the immune system and combat inflammation, older adults can support both physical and emotional health. This approach can also help prevent “stress-eating” habits, which can often lead to unhealthy choices when dealing with anxious feelings.
A well-balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods not only supports the body’s natural defenses, but can also improve mood and overall well-being. Focus on eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, such as leafy greens, nuts, and fish. Ask your doctor for suggestions. Making these dietary changes can be an important step in managing feelings of anxiety.
Improve sleeping habits
Did you know that getting a good night’s sleep not only helps you feel rested, but can help ease anxious thoughts? A study from The University of Texas at Austin found that older adults who felt they slept well were less likely to worry or dwell on things the next day. It turns out that how we feel about our sleep may matter just as much as how much sleep we get. The study also pointed out the importance of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the stage when the brain works hard to process emotions and store memories. This could explain why a good night’s sleep often leaves us feeling more emotionally balanced. Since sleep issues are common as we get older, it’s a helpful reminder that improving your sleep habits—or even just how you think about sleep—can make a big difference for your mental well-being.
Use mindfulness techniques
Anxiety is more than just an emotion—it affects us physically, too. Symptoms like tension headaches, heart palpitations, and irritability can often accompany anxious feelings. Mindfulness techniques are a powerful way to address both the emotional and physical aspects of anxiety without relying on medication. These holistic practices help manage anxiety by promoting awareness of the present moment and calming the body and mind.
Some effective mindfulness techniques include yoga, guided meditation, focused breathing, and journaling. One simple but impactful technique is the 3-3-3 rule: Notice three things you can see around you, identify three sounds you can hear, and move three parts of your body. These practices help interrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts and bring focus back to the here and now, helping relieve both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. By incorporating mindfulness into daily routines, older adults can experience greater emotional balance and a calmer mind.
Create a safe, calm, and stress-free environment
Our environment has a powerful impact on how we feel. A cluttered or noisy space can make stress worse, while a peaceful, organized setting can help ease anxious feelings. Small changes—like soft lighting, familiar objects, and reducing noise—can create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation.
For caregivers, setting up a soothing space for a loved one can bring comfort and help reduce tensions. Personal touches, such as family photos or a tidy, well-lit room, create a sense of security. Keeping the space calm and consistent also helps manage anxiety.
For solo agers, creating a peaceful environment at home can help you feel more in control and promote a sense of inner calm. Consider setting up a quiet retreat, adding cozy touches, and keeping things organized to reduce stress and create a soothing atmosphere.
Partner with Windward for personalized support
At Windward Life Care, we believe in supporting the whole person. By taking a holistic approach, we help older adults feel more balanced and comfortable in their daily lives. Whether you are caring for a loved one or navigating your own well-being, we are here to provide personalized support that focuses on the individual.
Here’s how we can help:
- Aging Life Care™ management: Our experienced team develops personalized care plans that consider all aspects of an individual’s well-being, including physical, emotional, and social needs. We work alongside you to create a balanced approach to care, ensuring the best quality of life possible.
- Home care: Our professional caregivers provide companionship and help create a calm, secure environment, which can reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being. They assist with daily tasks while offering reassurance and stability.
- Home health care: For those with more complex needs, we offer professional nursing services, ensuring that medical care aligns with emotional and mental well-being. Whether it’s managing a health condition or providing extra support, our team works with you to enhance daily living and overall quality of life.
At Windward Life Care, we help older adults manage anxious thoughts and the health challenges they can bring by offering guidance that supports overall well-being. Contact us today to learn how we can help.