Role of stress in developing chronic diseases in senior citizens
Have you ever wondered about the different chronic diseases related to stress? Taking pressure and tension itself can make you sick. Stress level does not only affect you emotionally but also physically. When you are stressed, your body acknowledges. There is a shrink in your blood vessels. Your blood pressure, pulse and heart beat increases. According to a study, there are multiple chronic diseases which are associated to stress. Chronic diseases are normally long-term sicknesses which are rarely healed.
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Senior citizens are at great risk for getting chronic diseases and connected disabilities. These diseases can even lead to death among the elderly. Most of the health issues occur due to stress. Stress can lead elderly to increase risk of state like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, blood sugar, depression, weight gain and so on.
Chronic diseases related to stress among elderly
There are various health diseases which may be constant throughout the life of an elderly. These include:
Heart disease: Elders, who take more stress, have higher risk of high blood pressure and heart diseases. This may be because stress enhances the heart-beat and flow of blood directly. Sudden emotional stress can be a cause of serious cardiac issues which includes even heart attacks. Therefore, elders should try to manage different stress levels.
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Diabetes: Stress can increase bad behaviour like excessive drinking, smoking and unhealthy eating. As a result, this can increase the glucose and sugar levels of the elderly. Hypertension can change insulin needs.
Migraine: Stress can increase health issues like tension headaches and migraines. Feeling of worry, impatience, nervousness and anger may be related with migraine headaches. However, for few people, diet may cause migraine.
Depression: It is quite common that stress is related with depression and anxiety. It has been found out in a research that people who have stress related to any issue, have higher risk of developing depression as compared to people who are stress-free. Stress can also cause mental disorder among elderly.
Obesity: Belly fat can lead to greater health issues among senior citizens as compared to fat on the legs and hips. People with extreme stress have greater chances of developing obesity. Stress increases the hormone cortisol which in turn increases the amount of fat that is settled in the abdomen.
Asthma: Your asthma can be worsening, when you take excessive stress. Few researches claim that when there is a chronic stress in parents, there can be higher risk of developing asthma in their young children.
Problem related to gastrointestinal: Stress can cause gastrointestinal problems such as chronic heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Stress can also increase diseases such as peptic ulcer and ulcerative colitis among senior citizens.
Alzheimer’s: Senior citizens are at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Study shows that stress level can increase this disease. Whereas, when that stress is reduced, there can be significant slowdown in this disease. It can also lead to dementia among elderly.
Apart from these major chronic diseases, excessive stress and hypertension can also cause series of strokes, dehydration, tumours and infections in the brain, advance aging and premature death.
Stress management
There can be a negative influence on the physical health of the senior citizens who take stress. They should know how to deal with stress in order to be happy and healthy. Elderly should take stress management classes. Stress-free life can also enhance your immune power.
Stress management cannot be always possible due to multiple reasons. Our lives are so busy with jobs, finances, raising families and so on. We rarely have time to spare for us. But we can always try to change the way we respond towards them. Few tips for stress relief include:
Maintain strong connection socially: Friends and loved ones can help you in your difficult times.
Laugh loud daily: Laughter is the best medicine.
Breathe deeply: Deep breathing helps to calm you and relax a particular muscle group.
Focus on the present: In order to relief stress, you should focus on what you are doing right now rather than thinking about your past and future.
Exercise: Physical activities important to reduce stress level.
Eat healthy food: You should eat nutritious diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Mental health influences physical health. Stress plays an important role in developing chronic diseases in senior citizens. Therefore, they should practice stress management techniques and make few healthy changes in your life in order to live a better and healthy life Get more updates at Seniors Today.
