Anxiety in the elderly - How to spot it?

Do you know how to spot if your parents or loved ones are suffering from anxiety?

Anxiety disorders in older adults are relatively common and are actually found more often than depression and cognitive disorders in older adults. However, it often goes undiagnosed.

At Red Button, we aim to support our aging population in maintaining their independence. We want to empower them and help them feel confident when they are out and about and also at home.

With so many of our older generation struggling with their mental health, we wanted to share our findings on how to spot signs of anxiety and what steps to take if you notice any of them.

Signs that your elderly loved one may have anxiety

There may be a number of factors which may cause your elderly loved ones to feel anxious, including financial issues, retirement, bereavement, housing issues, poor health and so on. Seniors may feel anxious if they fear falling or feel vulnerable in their homes. Even prolonged feelings of loneliness can lead to mental health disorders, including anxiety.

According to Age UK, here are some key things to look out for which may help you identify anxiety in seniors:

• Feeling extremely nervous
• Excessive worrying over small things
• Being withdrawn
• Feeling agitated and restless
• Getting tired easily
• Increased heart rate, chest pain, and abdominal pain
• Problems with thinking and making decisions.

If you notice any of these signs, then it could indicate that your elderly loved one is suffering from anxiety. The next step is to speak with them and seek medical advice from their GP. If you are unsure how to start a conversation with a parent or grandparent about their health, read our article for some tips on how to do this.

We recommend making a list of symptoms that you have noticed that you can then discuss with your GP to gain an understanding as to why they are feeling this way. If, after medical assessment, it is found that your loved one has anxiety, then it is time to discuss what support is available. Did you know that a personal alarm telecare device can provide support for those suffering from anxiety?

It is often thought that telecare is just for medical emergencies, but in fact, the devices provide support and reassurance to the elderly if they feel vulnerable, unsafe or worried. At Red Button, the team at our monitoring centre can support various calls 24/7. They can provide the proper assistance for feelings of fear, anxiety and vulnerability, whether that be contacting a friend, family member or neighbour who is a keyholder or contacting the emergency services for severe cases.

Explore our personal alarm telecare packages to learn more about how they can help your loved one to feel safe and secure.