The World Health Organization reports that 14% of seniors over 60 have some form of mental disorder. These issues can be emotionally painful and make life difficult when there's no relief.
Healthy coping mechanisms are a great way for older adults to build emotional resilience. Unfortunately, even in Burlington, WI's beautiful and scenic communities, many seniors don't have these coping strategies. They turn to maladaptive coping techniques instead.
Read on to learn the basics of these coping patterns, some signs to look for in your aging loved ones, and what strategies can foster mental wellness for seniors instead.
Maladaptive coping strategies are those that are unhealthy and ineffective. Seniors trying to process their difficult emotions may use these strategies for short-term relief from their suffering.
Some common maladaptive coping patterns include:
People of all ages may engage in maladaptive coping strategies because they make them feel better in the short term. They also may have limited positive coping mechanisms because they did not learn any in the past.
Unfortunately, maladaptive coping has negative long-term impacts on emotional health. Seniors who engage in these strategies may experience:
Worse, maladaptive coping is cyclical. If an older adult is coping with the loss of a spouse through avoidance and obsessive rumination, they won't be able to process their grief. On top of that, they'll also have to deal with the consequences of pushing others away and excessive negative thoughts.
There are several life events that lead to maladaptive coping. Some common ones for older adults include:
If your aging loved one has recently experienced any of these events, it's important to keep an eye out for signs of maladaptive coping.
Many signs that your loved one is engaging in maladaptive coping are emotional.
Your loved one may socially withdraw from you and other family members. Sometimes, this is because they're using avoidance and self-isolation as a coping mechanism in itself. Other times, this withdrawal is the symptom of overwork or substance abuse.
Mood swings are another emotional change that you may notice. Aggression and irritability are often used as coping strategies, but they also may stem from heavy drinking or painful ruminations. Sleep may also be impacted by obsessive negative thoughts, which lead to trouble regulating anger.
Sometimes, mood swings also come in the form of depression. Keep an eye out for your loved one losing motivation or refusing to engage in even their most beloved hobbies.
Emotional shifts also often come with cognitive challenges. You may notice your aging loved one contending with memory problems. This is because aging and stress may correlate with cognitive decline and conditions like dementia.
Trouble focusing is another sign of maladaptive coping. As your loved one loses their cognitive abilities due to stressful coping strategies, they may find themselves confused and unable to concentrate. Keep an eye out for potential issues with focus and decision-making.
Both emotional and cognitive shifts lead to changes in behavior for seniors with poor coping mechanisms. You and other loved ones may notice a parent or grandparent:
These are not immediate red flags that signal maladaptive coping. There are several reasons that these issues may arise. However, they're something to look out for so that you can correlate them to other potential signs of negative coping strategies.
If you notice a loved one coping with life events poorly, it's important to offer alternatives. This will help them understand that they're not alone and that positive ways to cope are available.
Mindfulness activities are a great way for seniors to ground themselves and remain present in their current surroundings. This can nip both avoidance and obsessive ruminations in the bud. Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are all great choices.
Seniors can also express themselves creatively via:
The top Burlington, WI senior living community nurtures these forms of expression with several activities and events!
These activities also encourage social connection, which provides a support system for those who would otherwise turn to maladaptive coping. People can share feelings with friends and create support groups for interconnectedness.
Now that you know what maladaptive coping is and understand healthier alternatives, it's time to ensure that your loved one can age as happily and healthily as possible.
Arbor View Senior Living encompasses both assisted living and memory care. Our compassionate caregivers offer personalized care plans for each resident. The community features beautiful apartments, gorgeous amenities, and activities and events tailor-made to nurture lifelong connections.
When older adults have the chance to age here and maintain a healthy lifestyle, they're less likely to turn to poor coping strategies. So don't wait! Contact us to schedule a tour and learn how we can help your loved one age with grace.