Anger Management Techniques for Elderly

Anger in the elderly is a difficult, perhaps even taboo subject. it somehow confounds expectations and makes many people feel uneasy. There are many reasons that an elderly person shows anger. No doubt some will merely be carrying on the personality traits of a lifetime -- the angry young man or woman grown older. But often this anger heralds a change. It may be a part of depression. Boomers-with-elderly-parents.com reports that as many as 25 percent of elderly persons have been diagnosed with depression. Anger can also indicate other serious health issues, such as dementia.

Explore Causes of Anger

• It is essential to explore the reasons for angry behavior in an elderly person, particularly if this is a new development. The person will need to have a health check-up. Sometimes, inadequate circulation can contribute to mood changes and other neurological symptoms. It may even be that medication taken for an existing condition is causing side effects, including paranoia and anger.

Talking

• The elderly person should be afforded the opportunity to talk to someone removed from the situation. This might be a physician, a religious minister or a counselor. The elderly person may have financial and other worries which she is too proud to discuss with close family members. The offer of talking to an objective person may be helpful.

Changing the Status Quo

• There may be something in the environment or circumstances which is making the elderly person angry. This may be that he is no longer really managing to cope on his own, but unable to ask for help. He may even be unsure of what help he wants. He may not want to go into residential care, for instance, but may be unaware that there are other options. Sometimes this impasse must be addressed by direct talking. It may be that someone outside of the direct family, e.g., a doctor or social worker, should approach the elderly person.