Coping with stress after retirement

For many people, the years after retirement are supposed to be free of stress. The children are grown and living on their own. The mortgage payments are over. Retirement provides freedom.

Stress? That’s in the past. Obviously, that’s a fallacy. Seniors have plenty of things to worry about as they grow older. For some, it’s adjusting to a new routine that no longer includes working. For others, finances are a concern, as is a loss of independence. And for most, as they age, health issues arise.

Chronic stress has been shown to accelerate biologic aging and to negatively affect the immune system, which is a major concern for seniors since our defense mechanisms weaken as we grow older. Here are four ways seniors can manage stress as they deal with life after retirement:

Recognize the Signs. You need to understand how your body reacts to stress in order to properly control it. Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you easily angered? Do you feel depressed? Is your energy level low? These are all signs of stress. If you recognize any of these signs, talk to your health care provider.

Regular Exercise for Your Body. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress and improve senior health. Yoga comes in many forms, both spiritual and purely physical, allowing seniors to design a routine that works best for them. There are also many low-impact aerobics classes available to seniors.