Are your aging loved ones always watching the news? It might be time to change the channel. Recently, broadcasts are filled with more bad news than good. The cycle of bad news can be both mentally and physically harmful for seniors. If you recognize signs of distress, fearfulness, or anxiety in your aging loved ones, listening to the news could be part of the problem, especially for those affected by cognitive impairment or stress-related health conditions. Misunderstanding when and where violent events are happening can cause seniors to develop anxiety, depression, or withdraw from social activities, believing that the world outside their home or nursing facility is unsafe.
Limiting Intake
The first step to take to help your aging loved one is restricting how often they watch the news. If they keep a television or radio news broadcast on as background noise during the day, change the channel to something more peaceful or mindless. 24-hour news cycles will often repeat disturbing language and images, which can raise stress levels even if your loved one isn’t actively watching or listening.
Restricting the news doesn’t mean asking your aging loved one to stay in the dark about current events. To help them stay up to date, find a short daily program that covers recent news to watch. Avoid watching news outlets that dramatize stories to provoke viewers to fear or anger. Make sure that watching the news isn’t the last thing your loved one does before bedtime to avoid any anxiety leading to insomnia.
Creating a Peaceful Environment
The way that you, as a caregiver, respond to distressing news sets a precedent for your aging loved one to follow. If you are upset by current events, make sure that you are taking breaks from the news and getting emotional support. Managing your own stress is important, as seniors are affected by caregiver emotions. Using a calm tone, slow movements, and steady voice can help seniors regulate their emotions.
Calmly explain any questions they have about current events while avoiding details that add fear. If they become concerned about their own safety, gently reassure them of their safety and provide physical comfort by holding their hand or sitting close by. If they argue with you, redirect their attention to a different activity rather than debating facts.
To manage stress levels, introduce calming activities into their daily routine. Listen to music from their younger years, sort cards, or fold laundry. If prayer or meditation is meaningful to them, create a quiet space where they can spend spiritual time. Engage in gentle exercises or stretches to keep physically fit and promote an increase in positive hormones.
While caregivers can’t get rid of bad news, you can help your aging loved one maintain their peace of mind even during troubling times. For more caregiving tips and aging support, reach out to Growing Options today at info@growingoptions.com or (203) 258-2640.