Brickmont Assisted Living Blog

How Does Stress Affect the Body?

Posted by The Brickmont Assisted Living Team on Apr 15, 2023 8:00:00 AM | 5 minute read

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The brain sends signals to the body constantly; for instance, when we’re happy, when we’re sad, and when we’re stressed. When the brain senses some form of danger or uncertainty, signals are sent throughout the muscles, directing them to tense up, and our adrenal glands begin to release stress hormones. 

Stress hormones force our bodies to go through changes that speed up our reaction time, improve strength and stamina, and enhance focus so we can stay prepared in case of an emergency. While these reactions are normal and necessary in most situations, chronic stress can be dangerous. 

At Brickmont Assisted Living, our communities focus on providing senior care that enhances the quality of life of those we serve. We’re here to help older adults reach their full wellness potential, so we’re explaining how stress impacts the body.

physical effects of stress

immune system

Stress has been known to suppress the function of the immune system, causing the body to become more susceptible to illnesses. For instance, if you’ve ever felt sick during a time in your life when you were stressed, it might have been hard to recover. 

Older adults are at a higher risk for illnesses due to the age-related decline of the immune system. As we age, our bodies reduce the number of cells, bone marrow, and tissues that help the immune system thrive. Combined with stress, it can become more challenging for seniors to detect and fight diseases and illnesses.

heart health

Adrenaline is one of the well-known stress hormones our bodies produce during times of instability. If you’ve ever heard of an “adrenaline rush,” it’s because of the rapid speed at which adrenaline is sent throughout the body. 

While adrenaline can help protect us in dangerous circumstances, it can also raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke. An adrenaline rush can also increase feelings of anxiety, fear, and irritability. For those who already have a pre-existing heart condition, a sudden rush of adrenaline could adversely affect the cardiovascular system.

digestion

Think back to the last time your stress levels were high - did you have a sick feeling in your stomach? This nauseous response occurs when stress activates the “fight or flight” reflex in the central nervous system. The central nervous system has the ability to shut down blood flow during times of immense stress, leading to contractions within the digestive muscles. This causes a decrease in the emissions that are needed for digestion.

Chronic stress can eventually cause irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and other severe digestive disorders.

common stressors for seniors

As time goes by, our reasons for feeling stressed begin to change along with our lifestyles. For example, you might have felt anxious about exams or assignments in college. As a young parent, you might have been stressed over childcare or uncertainty about your children embarking on new experiences. 

For seniors, stressors typically become more habitual due to age-related changes, health concerns, and lifestyle adjustments.

changes in health

Many health changes in older adults are completely natural, but that doesn’t mean these wellness transitions are easily navigated. Some of the most common age-related health changes can include:

  • Hearing and vision loss
  • Cognitive decline
  • Changes in mobility
  • Chronic pain

Not only do these changes force many individuals to slow down their lifestyles, but they may cause them to increase their dependence on others for assistance and support.

isolation

Older adults are at a higher risk of isolation due to:

  • Losing family members, spouses, or friends
  • Living alone
  • Health changes that cause them to slow down their social interactions

In fact, a report conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that almost a quarter of adults over the age of 65 are considered to be socially isolated.

lack of purpose

Purpose is what drives us forward in life. It gives us something to look forward to every day, helps us feel accomplished, and enhances our quality of life. Unfortunately, many older adults face a crisis when it comes to their sense of purpose after retirement. 

Older adults who lack a sense of purpose are more susceptible to stress, whether they feel they are no longer needed or have difficulty finding something that brings them joy and inspiration.

managing stress

There are many things that older adults can do to relieve stress naturally. First, it’s important to understand the links between overall health and the foods we consume when it comes to enhancing physical and mental wellness. In fact, many foods have natural stress-relieving properties!

Physical exercise is also a great way to reduce stress. Any form of activity, whether a quick walk around the block or a strength-training workout, boosts endorphins in the body, promoting positive feelings and relaxation.

LEARN TIPS FOR REDUCING STRESS & ANXIETY

We encourage you to learn how different strategies can help you cope with stressful feelings. Visit our Brickmont Assisted Living blog for more tips on health and wellness, senior care, and healthy aging.

Topics: Health

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