Anxiety later in life is normal when health concerns escalate or loss becomes more apparent. Yet when it begins to alter your life, treatment becomes necessary. Physicians may prescribe medications, but many elderly people do no want to add another medication to their daily regimen, or they worry about drug interactions. There are non-medication strategies that can treat the problem, often without side effects. If your anxiety ever becomes unbearable or you have thoughts of suicide, seek immediate medical attention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was cited as the best way to treat anxiety in the elderly in a study published in "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2007 and cited at MentalHelp.net. The therapy requires patients to face and deconstruct fears while using coping techniques such as deep breathing to help quell anxiety. In addition, elderly patients received education about their anxiety, sleep management and group and individual support.
Meditation
Meditation helps treat anxiety by slowing all of the body's processes, including heart rate and breathing, and can be particularly helpful in treating diseases that often affect the elderly, including high blood pressure, insomnia, pain and anxiety. An article at OldAgeHealthTips.com even suggests that regular meditation can increase life expectancy by reducing stress and improving immune function.
Moderate Exercise
Moderate exercise can help ease anxiety by helping the body to release endorphins and raise body temperature, according to the Mayo Clinic. Choose an activity you like and can accomplish consistently--such as walking--and do it five days a week.
Try Herbs
Kava kava and valerian root are known for their calming properties. Kava in doses of 150 mg to 300 mg one to three times per day is as effective as a benzodiazapine's in treating anxiety, without some of the side effects, according to an article at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Herbalists at HolisticOnline.com suggest sipping valerian tea 45 minutes before bedtime to ease anxiety that keeps you from sleeping. Make sure to tell your doctor if you plan to take herbs, as they may interfere with medication you already are taking.
