Healthy vs Unhealthy Coping Skills for Aging Adults

Did you know that 28% of older adults feel depressed? Stress can hinder the body's response to inflammation, triggering additional health issues. That's why it's so important for seniors to find healthy coping strategies when faced with difficult situations.

Distinguishing between healthy vs unhealthy coping skills can set the tone for a senior's life in northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico. Keep reading to understand the differences!

Why Coping Skills Matter

Many older adults get to savor rich experiences, like the birth of a grandchild or a memorable vacation with a loved one. But aging in a beautiful area like northeast Albuquerque can come with some significant challenges, as well. Many seniors endure setbacks, such as:

• The loss of a spouse
• Declining vision
• Limited mobility
• Difficult diagnoses
• Loss of driving ability
• Loneliness

The loss of a steadfast companion can be a devastating blow for a senior. Without a partner, they may not know how to move forward. Similarly, losing a close friend to illness or receiving a challenging diagnosis can stop even the most mentally tough senior in their tracks.

As seniors age, they may be stripped of their driving privileges due to declining vision. And they may struggle to understand friends as their hearing worsens.

Seniors need coping skills to manage difficult moments so they can move forward with their lives. Otherwise, it's too easy to dwell on losses and let them derail other opportunities. Ultimately, the right coping skills help with resilience building for seniors.

Healthy Coping Skills

Seniors don't need to spend a lot of money or venture far to find helpful coping skills. It is important to note, however, that what works well for one person may not be as effective for another. Seniors in northeast Albuquerque should explore coping strategy options and try a few to see what works best.

Coping strategies can be solitary, or they can involve being among other people. Seniors can take advantage of their community amenities, too, as they work toward emotional stability.

Examples of healthy coping skills include:

• Physical activities, like walking or yoga
• Mindfulness techniques
• Creative outlets
• Journaling
• Social engagements
• Counseling

Seniors can try starting each day with meditation or breathing exercises. Spending even 20 minutes on these calming activities can help quiet the mind. They're also excellent ways to bookend the day and promote better sleep.

Along the same lines, journaling can be a quiet, independent activity that feels therapeutic. Seniors can articulate their feelings without filtering anything, knowing that what they write will remain private. They can try writing for a few minutes during an afternoon tea break or while in bed at night.

As another option, going for a walk with a friend can be a great source of senior stress relief. As a bonus, walking can help improve balance and mobility and contribute to better cardiovascular health. Breathing in fresh air and talking with a friend during the walk can offer a positive diversion during the day.

Sometimes social engagements and mindfulness activities are not enough, however. In those situations, professional therapy can offer aging support for seniors trying to work through their emotions. These sessions let seniors speak openly to a neutral party.

Unhealthy Coping Skills

To navigate difficult times, seniors in Albuquerque should be aware of what unhealthy coping skills look like, too. Then they will be better able to stop themselves from engaging in poor decisions that can adversely affect their relationships and physical health.

Unhealthy coping skills can involve:

• Aggressive venting
• Turning to alcohol or drugs
• Ruminating and feeling negative
• Withdrawing from social activities

Taking advantage of a friend by unloading anger can hurt or even end a friendship. Friends can be excellent listeners and sounding boards. But they don't deserve to be the victim of uncontrolled venting.

If seniors withdraw from social events, they risk losing friendships and positive experiences. They also create an environment conducive to rumination and negativity. Seniors should avoid retreating from activities, and friends should check in on them if they notice a senior withdrawing.

Some seniors may turn to substance abuse as an unhealthy coping strategy. Alcohol or medications can ease pain temporarily. But they can also cause physical health problems and lead to emotional volatility.

Unhealthy coping skills can harm mental wellness and exacerbate physical problems, like high blood pressure or muscle loss. They can frustrate friends and lead to further isolation. Seniors should be careful with their choices and maintain healthy habits.

Building Better Emotional Health

As seniors try to make sense of a difficult situation, they shouldn't feel pressure to get it right the first time. Working toward a healthier mindset can be a gradual process. Seniors should:

• Reach out to friends and family for support
• Stay involved with community programs
• Devote small chunks of time to healing practices
• Make adjustments as needed

Trusted friends and family members in northeast Albuquerque can help seniors feel supported. And they can serve as accountability partners, checking in with seniors to make sure their coping choices are working. Regular interaction with friends and family can be a safeguard against turning to unhealthy coping strategies.

Sometimes it's best to start with smaller activities or strategies, too. Going for a five-minute walk after lunch, for instance, can be a small step toward coping. Or spending five minutes journaling before bedtime can offer a healthy release from the day.

Seniors should take stock of their coping strategies from time to time. If journaling starts to feel forced, it may not be the right choice. It's perfectly acceptable to abandon one strategy in favor of another if it is more beneficial.

Understanding Healthy vs Unhealthy Coping Skills

When seniors can see the difference between healthy vs unhealthy coping skills, they can make more progress working through tough times. Seniors should try a few different types of strategies to find the best fit for their needs. They should stay involved with activities and reach out to friends and family members for support.

Morada Quintessence is northeast Albuquerque's best senior living community. Our caring staff and excellent amenities, including restaurant-style dining, help seniors thrive. Contact us today to learn more!