'Quality of Life' Seminar Discusses the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety at the Timbers

A professional from Newsome Healthcare will present a program titled “Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood.

Until a few years ago it was believed that anxiety symptoms decreased with age, but now experts know that is not the case. As many as one quarter of all people experience anxiety, and seniors can be at particular risk for several reasons. For instance, they experience more losses, suffer from more pain and chronic conditions, have confounding ailments such as Alzheimer’s and are often on multiple medications that might exacerbate anxiety.

Although there are a number of anxiety disorders, studies have shown that generalized anxiety is the most common in seniors, affecting roughly seven percent of the senior population. 

Generalized anxiety symptoms can include:
•    Fatigue
•    Restlessness and feeling on edge
•    Difficulty concentrating or mind “going blank”
•    Muscle tension or muscle aches
•    Constant worry or obsession about small or large concerns
•    Irritability
•    Trouble Sleeping
•    Sweating, nausea or diarrhea
•    Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
•    Trembling, feeling twitchy or being easily startled

In seniors it can be especially difficult distinguishing between an anxiety symptom and a side effect of medications or an ailment. A combination of talk therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication helps to treat anxiety symptoms.

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669.