Defining anxiety
MedicineNet defines anxiety as a feeling of apprehension and fear, characterised by physical symptoms such as palpitations.
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if this feeling is frequent, intense, or excessive then one may need to seek a medical opinion.
Finding out more
Many older adults may feel anxious about many things. The first step is therefore to try to understand the situation. Are there reasons to be anxious? If there are then a discussion with a trusted person will be the first step.
Retirement or impending retirement can be a reason for feeling anxious. Some of us may be used to working, being active, and having goals we want to accomplish. However, when we retire and life slows down, we may not be prepared for this life change. This sudden phenomenon of idleness can trigger anxiety because suddenly there is a loss of purpose and focus for the life ahead of us. Nevertheless, we can do something about it. A recent article in Harvard Health Publishing explains things nicely. The link is: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/overcoming-anxiety
Other things we can do
It is also important to know that there are other things we can do. As Dr Cornelia Cremens wrote in her article:
1-We can set daily goals. These can be aligned to the things we are interested in e.g., hobbies, and activities that we have hitherto been unable to do.
2-We can learning a new skill or sport can add colour to our lives.
3-What about volunteering for a cause, or join a social club?
4-We can address financial concerns if these need attention, and
5-We need to remember to pay attention to diet, exercise, and weight control — the sure preventive steps to continued good health. With good health we have less aches and pain and consequently less reason for anxiety arising in the first place.
Take home messages
Occasional anxiety as one gets older is often encountered. If these episodes are frequent then we need to overcome them by finding the root causes.
There are also things we can do to prevent the loss of focus in life as we move into retirement.
In the next post we will discuss overcoming depression.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due Dr Corneila Cremens in the article in Harvard Health Publishing on Overcoming anxiety and the tips in managing anxiety as we move into retirement or impending retirement.
Thanks are also due to Francisco Santos and Pavel I for the nice Unsplash pictures on freedom — freedom from anxiety.
Dr LG Goh
Dr GOH Lee Gan is a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, National University Health System. He has an interest in learning and teaching how we can age well everyday (AWE).
