Stress Less

Stress Less

Changes are part of the ebbs and flows of life. Older people experience changes, challenges and opportunities in this time as they have throughout life. Coping with changes can bring about a variety of responses at any age – and any change can cause stress. It may be a ‘positive’ stress, that we meet with enthusiasm, or we may have difficulty coping with it or knowing what to, leaving us feeling fatigued and ‘wrung out’.

For older people changes may include coping with changes in physical health and financial and living arrangements, adjusting to the death of family and friends, pets, and loss of employment.

A collaboration inter-agency approach between Age Concern North Shore, ACC and Origin Productions has produced a seminar called Balancing Life. This seminar has been designed to assist older people with their own understanding of stress and fatigue, and offer positive solutions and suggestions. Topics covered during the seminar are:

lExploring the concept of sleep, circadian rhythms, and need for sleep
lDiscussion of stress and fatigue
lRecognising signs and symptoms
lIdentifying possible causes of stress and fatigue
lDiscussion of management of stress and fatigue and possible solutions and areas of assistance

If you would like to take part in a Balancing Life Seminar near you, or to find out further information, contact Age Concern New Zealand to find your closest Age Concern Council, or alternatively you may contact Age Concern North Shore, contact details on About Us page.

Websites of Interest

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety have produced an extensive article on stress. Whilst it is work focused the information is general looking at signs and symptoms and how to help.

Stress and Fatigue, Reducing their Impact - Advice for Employers and Employees - view the OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) Website for informative resources on stress and fatigue.

Colorado State University, Cooperative Extension, Southeast Area has an interesting article on stress and older people.

The Mental Health Foundation (NZ) (MHFNZ) has an excellent resource library available.

If you visit the New Zealand Government website you will find a list of all of the City Councils around the country. Most have a link to the local website and here you can find information about recreation facilities in your area. Some of the centres have massage, sauna and spas (very relaxing) available along with swimming and other exercise which help release tension and stress as well.

As well as the information you may find from the links above have a look at the physical activity page as physical activity can help us to combat stress.