Occasional nervousness or worrying is normal. When it becomes so severe it impacts quality of life and daily living, it goes beyond the scope of what’s normal and becomes a serious concern. While many people assume only younger people experience anxiety, the truth is that people can experience anxiety disorders at any age. In fact, anxiety in elderly adults is extremely common, making it a major public health concern.
What is Geriatric Anxiety?
“Geriatric anxiety” is the technical term for late-life anxiety and anxiety in the elderly. It is anxiety that someone experiences in later life. It is persistent worry or intense fear that impacts well-being and day-to-day life, making it distinct from occasional concerns about aging.
What are the Most Common Types of Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults?
Common anxiety disorders among older adults, according to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, severe anxiety about a wide range of topics.
- Panic Disorder: A disorder characterized by panic attacks.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A disorder that develops after a traumatic event.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and resulting compulsions to alleviate the obsessions. It is less common than other types of anxiety disorders in older people.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: A social phobia, or phobia surrounding social situations.
- Specific Phobias: Intense fear surrounding certain topics like visiting the dentist.
Anyone who notices these signs should speak with a licensed healthcare professional so they can discuss the concerns and determine appropriate next steps.
What are the Potential Causes of Anxiety in Older Adults?
Possible causes and risk factors for anxiety and other mental health conditions in later life, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), include:
- Medication side effects
- Poor sleep quality
- Chronic illnesses or other medical conditions
- Late-life stressors like financial concerns
- Social isolation and/or grief
- Genetics and family history
- Neglect and abuse
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Elderly Adults?
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), potential physical symptoms of anxiety in older adults may include:
- Muscle tension
- Panic attacks
- Chest pain
- Racing heart
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
Other potential signs of anxiety include repeatedly turning down social activities, excessive worry about health problems, and more.
Anyone who exhibits these signs, or notices an aging loved one who does, should speak with a licensed healthcare professional. This way, the person can receive a diagnosis and get proper treatment.
How Do Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults Differ from those in Younger Adults?
Anxiety in older adults is a little different than in people of other age groups. Many family members, friends, healthcare providers, and caregivers mistake anxiety symptoms in older adults for other conditions. Additionally, older people may be less likely to identify and report these symptoms, leading to the misconception that anxiety is only for younger people.
How Do You Treat Anxiety in the Elderly?
Healthcare providers may consider the following as part of an anxiety management plan:
- Antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and other healthcare provider-guided interventions
- Social support like support groups
- Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and working out
Anxiety in Elderly People FAQs
What is the 3-3-3 rule of anxiety?
The 3-3-3 rule is a gentle grounding exercise people sometimes use when feeling unsettled or upset. With this rule, people take note of:
- 3 things they see
- 3 things they hear
- 3 things they can touch immediately
Many find it helps bring their attention back to the present moment.
What are available anxiety medications for the elderly?
Medications that a medical provider may prescribe to older individuals for anxiety-related concerns include SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and gabapentin.
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are cautiously used anxiety medications for older age groups. Older individuals are more sensitive to benzodiazepines, leading to more severe reactions and increased risk of addiction.
Are there supportive approaches to help reduce anxiety?
Common non-pharmaceutical components of anxiety treatment for older individuals include getting enough physical activity, having positive social interactions with friends and family members (from small get-togethers to family vacations), sunlight exposure, writing or journalising, and aromatherapy.
Can anxiety in elderly people lead to other health issues?
Research closely links anxiety in older people to other health concerns, such as cognitive impairment and heart disease.
Can general wellness habits help reduce anxiety in the elderly?
Certain lifestyle changes can be part of an overall anxiety treatment plan, including:
- Getting enough high-quality sleep
- Not smoking or drinking alcohol
- Treating other medical conditions like heart disease
- Working out on a regular basis
- Enjoying a balanced diet
How Can Family and Friends Help an Older Person with Anxiety?
There are plenty of ways to help an aging loved one with anxiety, including offering social support, practicing active listening, making and taking them to appointments with mental healthcare professionals, and encouraging them to prioritize their emotional and physical health. Remember: anxiety in elderly individuals may be common, but it’s not a healthy part of aging. And it doesn’t have to remain untreated in your loved one.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
Wendy Gores, RN