Recognizing Maladaptive Coping in Aging Adults

Nearly 30% of older adults live alone, making it especially important that these individuals can manage their emotional wellness.

For seniors in any living situation, though, developing strong coping skills is an essential part of the aging process. Turning to unhealthy strategies can jeopardize their physical and mental well-being.

Seniors in Hayward, California, have access to all the amenities of the Bay Area, so they don't want to be sidelined by emotional challenges. Read on to understand what maladaptive coping looks like and how seniors can make healthier choices!

The Impact of Poor Coping Mechanisms

Maladaptive coping involves using unhealthy strategies to handle stressful experiences. While some strategies may provide an immediate benefit that seems promising, the long-term use of these coping patterns can be negative. Ultimately, maladaptive coping can hurt mental health and relationships with others.

Why do seniors turn to maladaptive coping strategies? Hayward seniors may be grappling with a difficult diagnosis or grieving the loss of a spouse. They may be frustrated by the lack of freedom they had in their younger years.

Left unchecked, maladaptive coping practices can worsen stressful situations. Outcomes can include:

• Fractured relationships with friends and family
• Negative thinking
• Poor physical health

Seniors may ruminate over difficult circumstances, like the loss of a spouse, and even contemplate self-harm. Negative thinking can trigger explosive behavior, too. And outbursts and angry reactions can hurt connections with close friends and family.

Yes, some individuals may show understanding initially if a senior is not acting normally. But continued volatility could cause some people to drift away.

Alcohol or drugs can also affect senior behavior. Substance abuse can adversely impact physical health. Seniors could face elevated blood pressure and weight gain as a result of substance abuse.

Signs of Maladaptive Coping

How can a senior know if they're relying on maladaptive coping? Seniors may be unable to identify poor coping habits within themselves. Friends and family members often are the ones to notice problems first.

Spotting maladaptive coping usually is not difficult, particularly with seniors whose behavior shifts dramatically. Seniors may start to seem:

• Irritable and volatile
• Negative in their thinking
• Constantly concerned
• More inactive
• Negligent toward their appearance

Some seniors may become reclusive, never leaving their apartment to participate in group dining or other activities. With so many cultural sites and tranquil nature views in Hayward, it's worth taking note if a senior starts declining invitations to go on excursions.

There may be a noticeable decline in how a senior presents themself around others, as well. They may look disheveled or show indications that they are neglecting personal hygiene.

Seniors may be perpetually late to activities or events. And they may become less concerned with demonstrating respect for other people's time.

Along those lines, one of the biggest signs of maladaptive coping can be a behavioral change. Someone who is not coping well could get agitated quickly or seem more anxious than usual. They may get hostile and defensive or even deny that there is a problem.

Recognizing the Consequences

Maladaptive coping can have long-term implications. And for seniors already facing a heightened risk of health issues, these poor habits can be more pronounced.

Ultimately, Hayward seniors who engage in maladaptive strategies will face greater health risks or problems. These problems may include:

• Mental health issues, like depression
• Cognitive impairment
• Higher blood pressure or stroke risk
• Substance abuse addictions
• General unhappiness

Feelings of anxiety and concern can snowball into depression if left unaddressed. Seniors may seem disengaged and like they lack fulfillment with their lives. These issues can become serious problems, so caregivers and friends should be alert to changes.

Further, seniors who use alcohol or drugs as a crutch in difficult times could be hurting their brain function and physical health. Excessive alcohol consumption can harm blood vessels in the brain and impair judgment. It can also lead to balance issues and weight gain.

Better Support Strategies

Fortunately, there is no shortage of options when it comes to better coping strategies. Seniors may need help understanding that they need to make some changes to their approach, however. Seniors should pursue better support strategies, such as:

• Talking with a trusted friend or family member
• Journaling
• Practicing mindfulness techniques
• Physical activities, including walking
• Reaching out to a counselor

Sometimes, starting or ending the day with mindfulness practices, like meditation or breathing exercises, can be effective. Even spending just ten minutes doing some deep breathing in a quiet space can ease an overactive mind. For others, using this quiet time to write in a journal can be a good way to process their feelings.

Going for a walk can have a therapeutic effect, as well. A short stroll in the afternoon offers solitude and a breath of fresh air.

Similarly, seniors can try light aerobics or strength training. These activities can be physically and mentally invigorating. And they'll offer a positive outlet when faced with challenges.

Having meaningful conversations with close friends can be another way to work through emotions. While seniors don't want to rely too heavily on a friend, it is helpful to take someone up on an offer for a lunch date or afternoon conversation break.

In some cases, consulting a professional may be the best solution. Therapists can give seniors the space to process their experiences. They'll also be a source of helpful questions and guidance as a senior aims to move forward with their life.

Prioritizing Aging Mental Health

Maladaptive coping can derail efforts to grasp and deal with a problem, and seniors are particularly vulnerable. They may not have a partner or family nearby to guide them toward more productive strategies. Caregivers and friends should watch for signs of a problem and intervene with better support strategy suggestions.

With dynamic common spaces and pristine grounds, Bellara is Hayward, California's best and most vibrant senior living community. We boast round-the-clock care and amenities like our Vibrant Life program, which allows residents to design their own schedules. Reach out to us today to learn more about all we offer!