Stress & Aging

Stress doesn’t end when we retire. In fact, for many older adults, new forms of stress emerge—health concerns, caregiving responsibilities, grief, financial strain, or loneliness. While occasional stress is part of life, chronic stress can wear down your immune system, raise your blood pressure, and make it harder to manage other conditions like arthritis or diabetes.

Learning how to recognize and manage stress is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being. The first step is paying attention to how your body and mind react. Are you feeling more irritable? Having trouble sleeping? Experiencing headaches or a racing heart? These can all be signs that stress is taking a toll.

The good news? There are many ways to feel better—and they don’t all require a therapist or a prescription. Gentle exercise, time in nature, prayer or meditation, connecting with others, and creative hobbies all help calm the nervous system and restore a sense of control.

If your stress feels overwhelming, or turns into anxiety or depression, reach out. Help is available, and you’re not alone.