5 Simple Ways Caregivers Can Ease Anxiety in Older Adults

Anxiety is common among older adults and can make daily life harder for both older adults and their caregivers. According to the National Council on Aging, about one in four older adults experiences a mental health condition like anxiety. Fortunately, there are effective ways caregivers can help ease anxiety and promote calm in their loved ones.

Here are five strategies caregivers can use to support older adults facing anxiety.

1. Listen and Provide Reassurance

Anxiety often comes with feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loss of control. Caregivers who listen patiently and calmly reassure their loved ones that they are safe help lower anxiety levels. Simple words of comfort or gentle touch can provide a powerful sense of security. It is also important to be aware of potential unmet needs such as assistance with daily tasks, social connection, or health concerns, and address them when possible, as unmet needs can contribute significantly to anxiety.

2. Create a Calm and Predictable Environment

Stressful and loud settings can worsen anxiety. Keeping routines consistent, providing a quiet and familiar space, and minimizing sudden changes can help older adults feel more at ease. According to the National Institute on Aging, predictable environments reduce confusion and help older adults manage worry better.

3. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Exercise, sleep, and nutrition all affect anxiety. Caregivers should encourage older adults to get moderate daily exercise like walking, aim for 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep, and maintain a balanced diet. These habits boost brain health and can reduce anxiety symptoms.

4. Teach Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness practices, deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can ease anxiety for many older adults. Caregivers can guide their loved ones in these techniques or help them join classes or groups tailored for older adults.

5. Seek Professional Support When Needed

Sometimes anxiety requires medical care. The National Council on Aging advises caregivers to encourage older adults to talk with their healthcare providers if anxiety interferes with daily life. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, or support groups that improve quality of life.

Mental Health Resources for Caregivers and Older Adults

AARP Friendly Voice

Trained volunteers will provide a call to say hello to help in challenging times.

📲 Call 888-281-0145, leave your information, and wait for a call back.

Friendship Line

California’s largest warm line that provides phone calls that offer emotional support and friendly conversation.

📲 Call 888-670-1360

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

📲 Call or text 988

💬 You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org

Veteran's Crisis Line

24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

📞 Call 988 then press 1

📲 Text 838255 💬 You can also chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/

Crisis Text Hotline

A live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool calm. Available for free, 24/7.

📲 Text HOME to 741741

💬 You can also chat online at https://connect.crisistextline.org/chat

Disaster Distress Helpline

Year-round, 24/7, toll free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for those who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

📲 Call or text 1-800-985-5990

Anxiety is not a normal part of aging and can be managed with the right care and support. By staying patient, creating soothing routines, and seeking professional help when needed, caregivers can make a huge difference in reducing anxiety and promoting peace for older adults.