Anxiety affects about 10% to 20% of the senior population, but the number could be higher because this disorder often goes undiagnosed. If your older loved one is dealing with this condition, there are steps you can take to improve their mood and quality of life. Here are some easy anxiety-management solutions to incorporate into their life care routine.

Listening

When uncomfortable feelings like anxiety arise in a senior, it can be easy for loved ones to downplay or dismiss the emotions. However, this act minimizes the seriousness of the situation, causing the older individual to feel unheard, unsupported, and invalidated.

If a senior brings their anxiety concerns to you, all you have to do is listen. You don't have to have all the answers. Instead, reassure them, remind them they are safe and loved, and ensure they know they're not alone—not in their life and not in how they feel.

Routines

A structured daily routine keeps a senior's mind and body engaged. As a result, there is less opportunity for anxious, intrusive thoughts to take over. Therefore, encourage your loved one to maintain a schedule that can include:

• Eating meals at the same time every day. 
• Getting even a small amount of daily exercise.
• Regularly meeting with family or friends, even if it's just a regular, standing phone or video call.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices can help manage anxiety, working almost as well as medication. Plenty of resources on this type of meditation are available, including books and videos, so provide your loved one with a few options to explore. 

You can also consider implementing mindfulness exercises into their daily regimen, like restorative yoga classes or qi gong. Mind-focusing activities such as coloring or listening to relaxing music can support their life care routine, too.

A senior's environment can also influence their mental and emotional health. Longhorn Village in Austin, TX, is a vibrant community designed to support older adults with clean, comfortable rooms, first-class amenities, and opportunities for learning and fulfillment. They provide various solutions for seniors of all health and ability levels. Call (512) 266-5600 to schedule a tour, or visit their website to explore their life care services.