Non-Medication Remedies for Anxiety in the Elderly

Anxiety and depression in the elderly are not uncommon. While some symptoms are caused by physical changes in the brain and hormone levels, lifestyle issues associated with growing older also contribute to worries and fears: deaths of loved ones, illness, loneliness, loss of independence and financial uncertainties. While many doctors recommend medications to treat anxiety in the elderly, non-medication strategies can be used to alleviate the anxiety as well.

Symptoms

• Anxiety symptoms in the elderly are similar to those in younger patients. They include shallow or rapid breathing, heart palpitations, irritability, trouble sleeping, feelings of guilt and/or panic. In general everyone has these symptoms once in a while, and, in fact, anxiety is appropriate in some situations, as it allows for clarity of thought and action. However, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it becomes a problem when symptoms are experienced daily for more than two weeks.

Talk Therapies

• Therapy is one of the best non-prescription ways to deal with anxiety in the elderly. Often, by talking with a therapist, the elderly person can identify specific fears and also come up with strategies to alleviate them. A therapist can also put the elderly person in touch with community resources (such as Meals-on-Wheels or senior groups) that can help solve some anxiety-inducing fears.

  Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, takes talk therapy one step further. In this therapy the elderly can learn to challenge their negative thoughts by facing the anxiety head-on. If interested, ask the therapist if this specific treatment is offered.

Physical Exercise

• Exercise is a universally accepted way to alleviate anxiety naturally. Although many elderly persons have trouble with balance, many exercise programs can be done in a seated position. Lisa Ericson, paralyzed from the chest down, offers a video through her website (Seatedaerobics.com) that was designed for people in wheelchairs, but that also makes a good workout for anyone. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Light Therapy

• Sunshine can also help to alleviate anxiety. Taking a daily walk in the sunshine is one way to get a daily dose of Vitamin D and mood-lifting light. If you can't get outside, however, a light box can be helpful in simulating the sun's healing effects.

Tip

• Get a thorough physical to see if your anxiety problems are caused by an underlying medical condition, including thyroid disease and diabetes.

Warning

• Some herbs can help alleviate anxiety, such as kava, but most herbs have side effects similar to prescribed medications and should only be used on the advice of a medical professional.

  If anxiety becomes severe or is accompanied by chest pains, seek medical attention immediately, as anxiety is also a symptom of heart disease.