Lublin Senior Citizens’ Days are underway.
The Crisis Intervention Centre in Lublin invites you today to additional duty hours aimed at senior citizens:
Lawyer’s duty for seniors in crisis and carers of the elderly – 12:00-16:00
We look forward to seeing you at 6A Probostwo Street.
Do you have questions? Call us – 81 466 55 46
Today we would like to address the topic of stress and anxiety. We are well aware that a stress-free life is not possible. Stress in the right doses motivates us to act and allows us to react adequately, for example in the face of threats. However, sometimes it is so strong that it disorganises our lives – especially when it is persistent and prolonged.
What about stress in older people?
It may seem that seniors live a more relaxed life – especially after retirement, they are not affected by the daily rush, the constant lack of time, the multitude of responsibilities, etc. However, seniors also experience stress – often related to:
- fear for their health, fitness, living conditions,
- a sense of loneliness,
- awareness of the passing of time.
Such a daily life of stress does not do the body or the psyche any good.
What can seniors do to alleviate the effects of stress a little?
First and foremost: take care of yourself! Below, you will find a few signposts that you can apply in your everyday life to give yourself the gift of self-care.
What can seniors do to alleviate the effects of stress a little?
First and foremost: take care of yourself! Below, you will find a few signposts that you can apply in your everyday life to give yourself the gift of self-care.
How to deal with stress and anxiety?
- Regular physical activity, which helps to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases the production of endorphins, known as “happy hormones”, which helps to improve mood.
One type of activity recommended for older people is strength training, as it is very effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in seniors, stimulating an increase in bone mineral density and strengthening muscles, which helps to prevent fractures.
Strength training also includes quiet seated exercise – e.g. using resistance bands or 0.5 kg weights. Instead of weights, you can also use half-litre bottles of mineral water, for example.
Another activity also available for seniors is… walking!
We tend to underestimate walking as a form of physical activity, yet it is an easy and accessible way to improve physical and mental health. It can be done by anyone, regardless of age or current condition. Regular walking has many benefits, such as improving heart fitness, strengthening muscles, reducing stress and improving mood. You can also walk with trekking poles – this engages more muscles and relieves stress on your joints.
Better off in a group – find out if there is a community centre, senior citizens’ club or other organisation offering group activities near where you live – they can introduce you to new friends, make gymnastics or walking more fun and help you get motivated!
Strength training also includes quiet seated exercise – e.g. using resistance bands or 0.5 kg weights. Instead of weights, you can also use half-litre bottles of mineral water, for example.
Another activity also available for seniors is… walking!
We tend to underestimate walking as a form of physical activity, yet it is an easy and accessible way to improve physical and mental health. It can be done by anyone, regardless of age or current condition. Regular walking has many benefits, such as improving heart fitness, strengthening muscles, reducing stress and improving mood. You can also walk with trekking poles – this engages more muscles and relieves stress on your joints.
Better off in a group – find out if there is a community centre, senior citizens’ club or other organisation offering group activities near where you live – they can introduce you to new friends, make gymnastics or walking more fun and help you get motivated!
- Proper nutrition and regular sleep – a balanced diet is important at any age. A large part of our wellbeing depends precisely on what we eat and when. Diet should be tailored to both culinary preferences and health. It is best to consult a specialist – a doctor, a nutritionist – about your diet.
If you have sleep problems, try lowering the temperature in your bedroom, airing it regularly and avoiding hard to digest meals before going to bed. For some sleep problems, it is worth consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- Maintaining social contact – being with others is our natural and one of our basic needs as human beings, whatever our age. In addition to contact with children and grandchildren, who are often busy or live far away, it is worth taking advantage of the opportunities offered by senior citizens’ clubs. In recent years, the range of activities aimed at older people has grown enormously. There are more and more places offering a wide range of activities, including physical and mental exercise, playing instruments, theatre, trips, cultural events and much more. If you just try to open yourself up to new experiences, you will probably find that you have never had so much fun in your life! New friends and the power of new experiences await you!
- Circle of support – knowing that there is always someone you can call and talk to, for example, is priceless. We all need emotional support, listening and understanding at times. In addition to contacting loved ones, it is worth remembering that there are helplines, especially those dedicated to seniors. You can talk to the person who answers the helpline anonymously, without being judged, this is a person who will have time for you, listen to you and show kindness and interest.
- Listen to your needs and don’t be afraid to talk about them. If something becomes too difficult for you – ask for help! You can ask a family member, a neighbour or use the help offered by various organisations – a volunteer can come to you and do your shopping, for example. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
- Interests and passions. Many senior citizens deny themselves the right to dreams, interests and happiness. Many times one hears from the mouth of an older person statements such as: ‘it’s not worth it, I’m already old’. However, the value of human life does not diminish with the passing of the years.
A person of any age deserves:
- to feel happiness and pleasure
- to be treated with respect
- to pursue dreams
- to belong to a group
- to have interests
- to discover talents
- to make a difference
- to love and feel loved
- to want, plan and desire
Seniors/young people, remember – your life lasts no matter how old you are and still has the same inalienable value. Seek out new experiences, discover new passions – or perhaps dust off old interests?
