A successful former businessman develops a sudden fear of driving. A longtime homemaker is convinced she never has enough groceries in the house. It’s a pattern familiar to many of us with aging parents: the overwhelming worry or constant nervousness over day-to-day tasks, from taking medications to parking the car. Left untreated, this anxiety-related agitation in the elderly can disrupt sleep and eating, exacerbate chronic medical conditions, and ultimately contribute to a downward spiral of fear and isolation.
Anxiety occurs in older Americans with surprising frequency. In fact, some reports estimate anxiety affects between 10 and 20 percent of the older population — although exact numbers are hard to pin down since the condition often goes undiagnosed. The prevalence is even greater among older adults with chronic illness or physical disability, with some 40 percent of that population reporting anxiety symptoms.
Excerpted from an article by Hany Abdelaal, DO, Pres. VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans at Visiting Nurse Service of NY, and a leading healthcare expert focused on elder independence. To read the full article click here.