What causes anxiety in people of old age?

Answer 1

Answer old and scaredThe older you get, the more there is to worry about and past 65 or so the less you can do about it. Can I pay my bills, will I get sick, who will take care of me, when am I going to die? These are just a few and it varies person to person. Most people get scared the older they get. Generally, the older, the more scared. Some fears are justified and some are not. Every case is different. AnswerWell I'm 65 (don't feel it) but from talking to people my own age and some older there are some of those factors the above poster expressed, but for most of us getting older (the years seem to slip by faster than ever) it isn't so much the above and death isn't this mysterious terrible thing because you've been to so many funerals it becomes part of your life. It isn't only the older generation where you go to funerals; I've been to 3 funerals where the person has been 25 up 40 years old. Another fear is losing control of your life such as someone taking over your responsibilities. Contrary to popular belief many elderly prefer to be as independent as possible for as long as they can and I know several who are in their 90s that are still independent. None of us want to end up in an Old Age Home and would prefer to die at home around familiar surroundings, our family and pets. Getting older means you have to rely on a good friend, family member to get you around to shop, see doctors because the elderly can fall easily (especially in winter or wet conditions) and breaks hips, etc., very easily.

For my friends and myself it's a fear of not retaining our independence and having to rely on others (takes the dignity away.) As long as I can stand I plan on being in my home until I drop, and if some well meaning person tries to get me out of my house and into a nursing home I'll be at the front door sitting on a chair with my shotgun loaded with rock salt!

AnswerOn top of all of the above, many older people's seratonin levels drop markedly with age. This occurs naturally, but may be made worse by reduction in exercise, less time spent outdoors, and even a reduced quality of diet. All of this can be treated with SSRI medications and some research shows that a diet high in healthy carbohydrates can also increase the brain's production of seratonin.

Declining hormone levels, DHEA, HGH, Testosterone, seratonin, etc are liked with decreased ability to manage stess and anxiety as we age. A diet, exercise and supplement program to maximize DHEA, testosterone and other youth homones will help.

Medications can do it. Some elderly can be taking 12 different pills and the mixing of the medications can cause fear, anxiety and depression. Memory loss can cause a lot of fear. A hyperthyroid or other hormonal imbalance can do it too. Neurological disorders can cause anxiety too. Older people often don't sleep well and live in a lot of pain. This can contribute to anxiety.

Answer 2

Anxiety in older adults can be caused by various factors such as health issues, chronic pain, cognitive decline, social isolation, loss of independence, financial concerns, and fears about the future. Additionally, past experiences, personality traits, and genetics can also play a role in the development of anxiety in older individuals.