The stresses and changes that sometimes go along with aging—poor health, memory problems, and losses—can cause an anxiety disorder. Common fears about aging can lead to anxiety.
Having more anxiety as you age is a common issue in older adults. The most common types of anxiety disorders are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This type of anxiety causes racing thoughts, constant worrying, and a feeling of hopelessness.
As we age, our immune system weakens. This makes us more vulnerable to infections of all types. And any sort of challenge to the body can do more damage.
Generalized anxiety disorder
15 Compared with younger individuals, older persons with GAD have a greater variety of worry topics, including memory loss, medical illnesses, and fear of falls,16 but worry less about the future and work than younger patients.
Like people's bodies, emotions change over time. Older people for the most part have far fewer negative feelings, such as worry and stress, than do younger people, studies show.
A new study finds the average American feels the most stressed at 36 years-old. Despite this — fear not — a recent survey of 2,000 Americans over the age of 30 reveals the average respondent is better at managing stress now than they were a decade ago.
While Millennials (ages 18 to 33) and Gen Xers (ages 34 to 47) report the highest average stress levels, Boomers (48 to 66) and Matures (67 years and older) join them in reporting levels that are higher than they consider healthy.
At least one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or dementia. Due to population aging, the number of seniors with mental disorders is expected to double by 2030. Depression is the most common mental health problem in older people.
Loss of independence. Loss of identity. Fear of the loss of control when communal living starts. Fear of mistreatment.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “… mood and anxiety disorders become less common as people age. But detection rates are also lower among older adults. They're less likely to seek assistance for mental health issues.”
High-risk behaviors are defined as acts that increase the risk of disease or injury, which can subsequently lead to disability, death, or social problems. The most common high-risk behaviors include violence, alcoholism, tobacco use disorder, risky sexual behaviors, and eating disorders.
Common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and dementia. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.
Social isolation and loneliness. Lack of exercise or physical activity. Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult. Addiction and/or alcoholism —included in Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder.
Loss of Independence
Losing physical functions and having to rely on others for daily care is the biggest fear among seniors. According to a 2010 study from the Disabled Living Foundation, more seniors fear losing independence than dying.
middle age, period of human adulthood that immediately precedes the onset of old age. Though the age period that defines middle age is somewhat arbitrary, differing greatly from person to person, it is generally defined as being between the ages of 40 and 60.
Anxiety in the elderly, often accompanied by depression, can lead to worsening physical, cognitive and functional impairments in this vulnerable population. Antidepressants are considered first line treatment.
For seniors, stress often manifests itself in more physical ways, including health problems. Warning signs of stress could include frequent headaches, sleep problems, insomnia, fatigue (physical and mental), difficulty concentrating, change in appetite, muscle tension, pain, chest pain, stomach upset and more.
Anxiety becomes more common with older age and is most common among middle-aged adults. This may be due to a number of factors, including changes in the brain and nervous system as we age, and being more likely to experience stressful life events that can trigger anxiety.
The 3 main causes of depression in older people are poor physical health, social isolation and loss. If you have signs of depression for 2 weeks or more, or you are concerned that you may have depression, don't delay — speak to your doctor.
According to Cigna International Health's 2023 survey of almost 12,000 workers around the world, 91% of 18-to-24-year-olds report being stressed – compared to 84% on average. Research indicates Gen Z are emerging as the most stressed demographic in the workplace, and struggling mightily to cope.
Life looks a little rosier after 50, a new study finds. Older people in their mid- to late-50s are generally happier, and experience less stress and worry than young adults in their 20s, the researchers say.