Elderly Stress Level Analysis

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 87 views

Introduction

As the global population ages, the number of elderly individuals experiencing stress and related health issues is increasing. Stress is a normal adaptive response from the body, but if left unmanaged, it can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of the elderly. This study aims to determine the level of stress in the elderly in Cengkeh Turi Village, North Binjai District, Binjai City, and to provide a broader picture of the importance of attention and support for this age group.

Methodology

This research uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive design. A total of 130 elderly individuals aged 60-74 who lived in Cengkeh Turi Village became the research population. From this population, 56 elderly individuals aged 60-74 were chosen as a sample using the Slovin formula with an error tolerance of 0.1 or 10%. The sampling method used in this study is an accidental sampling technique.

Results

The results showed that most of the elderly individuals experienced stress in the medium category, which was 35 people or 62.5%. This finding provides an important picture of the mental health of the elderly in the area.

Elderly Stress Level Analysis

This moderate stress level can be caused by various factors. The elderly individuals who experience stress in this category usually experience challenges to adapt to physical changes, loss of loved ones, and financial problems. Difficulties in social interaction can also be a major cause. In many cases, the elderly individuals feel isolated and lack emotional support from the surrounding environment, which can worsen feelings of stress.

Causes of Stress in the Elderly

The causes of stress in the elderly can be categorized into several factors, including:

Physical Changes: The elderly individuals experience physical changes such as declining physical strength, reduced mobility, and decreased sensory perception.
Loss of Loved Ones: The elderly individuals experience the loss of loved ones, including spouses, children, and friends.
Financial Problems: The elderly individuals experience financial problems, including reduced income, increased expenses, and debt.
Social Interaction: The elderly individuals experience difficulties in social interaction, including feeling isolated and lacking emotional support from the surrounding environment.

Health Implications of Stress in the Elderly

Stress that is not handled properly can cause various health problems, including:

High Blood Pressure: Stress can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Sleep Disorders: Stress can cause sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea.
Depression: Stress can cause depression, which can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Handling of Elderly Stress

It is essential for individuals and communities to develop programs that can help the elderly manage stress. Socialization programs that involve physical activity, hobbies, or development of new skills can be an effective way to reduce stress. In addition, providing counseling and psychological support can also be a good solution to help the elderly overcome the challenges they face.

Programs to Reduce Stress in the Elderly

The following programs can be implemented to reduce stress in the elderly:

Physical Activity: Engage the elderly in physical activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
Hobbies: Encourage the elderly to engage in hobbies such as painting, gardening, or cooking.
Development of New Skills: Provide the elderly with opportunities to develop new skills such as computer skills or language skills.
Counseling and Psychological Support: Provide the elderly with counseling and psychological support to help them overcome the challenges they face.

Conclusion

This research not only describes the level of stress in the elderly in Cengkeh Turi Village, but also provides a broader picture of the importance of attention and support for this age group. By understanding the challenges they face, it is hoped that appropriate steps can be taken to improve the quality of life of the elderly and mental health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Develop Programs to Reduce Stress: Develop programs that can help the elderly manage stress, including socialization programs and counseling and psychological support.
Provide Access to Mental Health Services: Provide access to mental health services, including counseling and psychological support.
Increase Social Support: Increase social support for the elderly, including emotional support and practical support.
Improve Access to Healthcare: Improve access to healthcare for the elderly, including access to medical services and health education.

Q: What is stress in the elderly?

A: Stress in the elderly refers to the emotional and psychological response to a situation or event that causes feelings of anxiety, fear, or unease. Stress can be caused by various factors, including physical changes, loss of loved ones, financial problems, and social interaction difficulties.

Q: What are the causes of stress in the elderly?

A: The causes of stress in the elderly can be categorized into several factors, including:

Physical Changes: The elderly experience physical changes such as declining physical strength, reduced mobility, and decreased sensory perception.
Loss of Loved Ones: The elderly experience the loss of loved ones, including spouses, children, and friends.
Financial Problems: The elderly experience financial problems, including reduced income, increased expenses, and debt.
Social Interaction: The elderly experience difficulties in social interaction, including feeling isolated and lacking emotional support from the surrounding environment.

Q: What are the health implications of stress in the elderly?

A: Stress that is not handled properly can cause various health problems, including:

High Blood Pressure: Stress can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Sleep Disorders: Stress can cause sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea.
Depression: Stress can cause depression, which can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Q: How can stress in the elderly be managed?

A: Stress in the elderly can be managed through various methods, including:

Physical Activity: Engage the elderly in physical activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
Hobbies: Encourage the elderly to engage in hobbies such as painting, gardening, or cooking.
Development of New Skills: Provide the elderly with opportunities to develop new skills such as computer skills or language skills.
Counseling and Psychological Support: Provide the elderly with counseling and psychological support to help them overcome the challenges they face.

Q: What are the benefits of managing stress in the elderly?

A: Managing stress in the elderly can have several benefits, including:

Improved Mental Health: Managing stress can improve mental health and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Improved Physical Health: Managing stress can improve physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Improved Quality of Life: Managing stress can improve the quality of life of the elderly and enable them to participate in activities they enjoy.

Q: How can families and caregivers support the elderly in managing stress?

A: Families and caregivers can support the elderly in managing stress by:

Providing Emotional Support: Providing emotional support and listening to the elderly's concerns.
Encouraging Physical Activity: Encouraging the elderly to engage in physical activities such as walking or swimming.
Encouraging Hobbies: Encouraging the elderly to engage in hobbies such as painting or gardening.
Providing Access to Mental Health Services: Providing access to mental health services, including counseling and psychological support.

Q: What are the implications of not managing stress in the elderly?

A: Not managing stress in the elderly can have several implications, including:

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Not managing stress can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Decreased Quality of Life: Not managing stress can decrease the quality of life of the elderly and reduce their ability to participate in activities they enjoy.
Increased Risk of Mental Health Problems: Not managing stress can increase the risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.