How to Cope With Change: Support for Seniors in Lee's Summit

Did you know that one in three seniors has trouble adjusting to life events? For some, these life changes can feel so overwhelming that they negatively impact their mental health.

For retirees setting up life in the senior-friendly community of Lee's Summit, understanding that it's a big transition can help you prepare and cope with the change to your routine and lifestyle. Read on for our guide on how to cope with change.

Coping With Change: Why It Gets Harder

Being open to change is often associated with young people. Perhaps that stems from the fact that those in their youth have the freedom to quickly adjust their lives to new events.

As you get older, that changes. You have habits, routines, and responsibilities. Commitments in your life make it harder to accept changes. That can be even more challenging if the change is unexpected, such as the loss of a loved one.

That's why seniors can often find change overwhelming. It can sometimes appear after a period in life where things have seemed relatively steady and predictable.

Common Life Changes in Your Senior Years

While changes might happen unexpectedly, there are common reasons why seniors face sudden or gradual adjustments in their lives. Here are some of the most likely:

Retirement and moving away from the 9-5 routine
Health challenges like the diagnosis of a chronic condition
Cognitive challenges and diagnoses, like early dementia
Loss of loved ones
Loss of pets
Relocation from a family home to senior living
Changing family roles, such as being more dependent on children

Recognizing the possibility that one of these life events may occur is valuable for seniors. It can give them time to prepare, create coping strategies, and take practical steps to help them adjust to the new way of life.

The Importance of Emotional Resilience

Think of emotional resilience as a bit like a muscle. The more you build your resilience when faced with a challenge, the stronger it will become for future events, enabling you to adjust to change and cope with setbacks.

Here is how to build emotional resilience.

First, develop a healthy daily routine. Creating habits like taking an early morning walk or engaging in a conversation with a friend can help protect your emotional health.

Second, incorporate exercise into your life. Pick an activity you enjoy. If you are in a senior living community, you will find fitness classes to suit all abilities.

Finally, create calming rituals throughout your day, such as reading a novel or savoring a cup of morning coffee on the patio.

The Importance of Strong Social Connections

Handling change is easier when you're not going through it alone. Reach out to friends and family for support. It's also wise to strengthen and build your social connections in your senior years, giving you people you can lean on during difficult times.

If you are in a senior living community, take the time to get to know your neighbors.

Sign up for a social event, such as a quiz night or an outing to a local cultural attraction. Make an effort to meet with like-minded people for hobby groups, too, as this is a great way to develop friendships.

Don't forget that in a senior living community, you also have friendly and experienced care staff available to assist you.

Reach out to those you trust and open up about any worries or difficulties you face. They may be able to offer some practical support or even some emotional guidance to help you through the adjustment.

Try a Mindfulness Activity

Mindfulness is about developing techniques that help you with stress management by teaching you how to focus on the present. When you practice mindfulness and get better at it, you can learn how to stop racing thoughts and avoid the constant worry that risks turning into anxiety.

If you are in a senior living community, speak with the staff to see if they offer guided mindfulness sessions, as this is a great way to learn some proven techniques. You can also use online tutorials available on platforms like YouTube.

Some exercise routines, such as yoga and tai chi, also provide excellent opportunities to practice mindfulness. They can also be a valuable part of your sleep routine, especially if recent changes in your life have led to insomnia.

Senior Transitions: When To Seek Professional Support

Sometimes, adjusting to change is relatively easy, and at other times, it can feel overwhelming. If small daily changes, such as exercise or mindfulness, aren't having the desired impact, it may be time to consider professional therapy.

A counselor will have the experience to talk you through these changes and offer some sensible coping strategies. Having a professional to talk to can also be beneficial if you find it hard to open up to friends, family, or senior living staff.

Look for counselors who have experience with seniors. For some major life changes, like the loss of a loved one, you must look for a specialist grief counselor.

Aging Support: Tips for Families

If you have a loved one struggling with a change, there are numerous ways you can offer both practical and emotional support. Here are some tips:

Have regular check-ins by phone, video call, or in person
Encourage your loved one to join a social group like a hobby club
Join your loved one for a simple exercise routine, like a gentle morning walk
Be patient and listen without judgment
Validate their feelings and avoid trying to "solve" the problem

Always look out for signs your loved one is struggling. If you feel they need more help than you can offer, consider arranging professional counseling.