Aging and Anxiety:
You Are Not Alone

Aging is a natural process often accompanied by various challenges for older adults and their families. Some individuals look forward to the transition from middle age into later years, eagerly anticipating a new phase of life in retirement or enjoying time with grandchildren. For other adults, however, it may be difficult to face and adjust to everything that can come along with aging. If you find yourself becoming increasingly more anxious as you age, you are not alone.

The Reality of Anxiety as You Age

Feeling anxious or nervous is a common emotion for people regardless of age, but when anxiety interferes with your daily life it is likely not a natural part of the aging process. Anxiety disorders in older adults are occurring more and more. Research shows that anxiety affects between 5.5 and 10 percent of those 65 and older. The prevalence is higher in individuals in care facilities and at this time is being reported more with women than men.

The physical and emotional effects of aging may be overwhelming for some seniors as they may anticipate new ailments or chronic illnesses that may limit their abilities. Others may find it difficult to face mortality as partners, friends and peers pass on. With these losses many report experiencing loneliness, grief and fear. The more common anxiety disorders reported among seniors are agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobia, and social anxiety disorder.

The presence of other related health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression and substance abuse may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Anxiety can affect your ability to attend to your most basic needs. These critical physical and emotional health concerns may affect your ability to find life meaning and enjoyment. Counseling can help.

The Silent Epidemic

In the recent past, studies on anxiety disorders among older adults were supported by insufficient information because many cases have gone unnoticed and untreated. Apart from the presence of various medical conditions, the aging population tends to dismiss emotional concerns, resulting in skewed statistics. Anxiety has been referred to as the “silent epidemic” or “geriatric giant,” as it is twice as prevalent as dementia and occurs four to eight times more often than major depressive disorders.

Anxiety in older adults often goes undiagnosed for a number of reasons. Many sufferers do not recognize or acknowledge the symptoms, and if they do, they believe the feelings are simply part of the aging process. If treatment is sought, it is likely for other health concerns leaving anxiety undiagnosed and unmanaged. When anxiety is left untreated it rarely improves and will likely impair physical health, intensify cognitive impairment, lessen the ability to perform daily activities, diminish quality of life and even increase the use of health services.

Recognizing Anxiety

Anxiety in older adults may be attributed to several important risk factors. Among others, these risk factors can include:

Chronic medical conditions
Poor quality of sleep
General poor health
Side effects of medications
Alcohol or substance abuse
Stressful or traumatic life events
Negative or difficult childhood experience
Excessive worry over physical health
Limited mobility in daily activities
Family history of anxiety
Bereavement or complicated grief

Since most people feel anxiety at some points in time, it can be difficult to gauge how much is too much. For older adults, some anxiety symptoms are frequently manifested in conditions commonly experienced in old age, such as fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, and headaches. Anxiety disorders may also co-occur with other disorders having similar symptoms, making it a challenge to properly detect and diagnose the condition.

In many cases, older adults with anxiety may first report physical complaints, overeating, poor appetite, sleep disturbances, loss of interest in activities, social isolation, and/or substance abuse. They may also either refuse to do routine activities or be excessively preoccupied with routine. Depression may also occur alongside anxiety, leading to symptoms of irritability, feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, lack of energy, decreased motivation, and excessive worry usually lasting for six months or more.

Can Therapy Help with Anxiety as You Age?

If you feel that your anxiety is becoming increasingly more unmanageable as you age, let a caring, experienced counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro, NC help you. Anxiety can be overwhelming though it is treatable. You are not alone, therapy can help. Find the right counselor for you, independently contracted with CCS – Pittsboro, NC. Your therapist can help you to get to the sources of your fears and work with you using the most effective treatment approaches to help you. Seeking the right kind of help for you can make a big difference. Call now to schedule your first appointment!