Seniors Struggle With Anxiety When Personal Needs Not Met

A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health monitored the behavior of seniors whose personal needs were not managed properly, leading to higher anxiety symptoms, reports the University of Michigan News . University of Michigan Professor Xiaoling Xiang said this created "a vicious cycle that may lower the quality of life of older adults." The researchers analyzed 3,936 Medicare beneficiaries with activity limitations at 65 and older. "Adverse consequences due to unmet needs may be underreported because of feelings of shame and embarrassment, particularly in a society that values self-sufficiency," noted lead study author Ashley Zuverink. The investigators said other healthcare providers working with older men and women may consider screening for anxiety and other mental health symptoms, and they can then account for subjects' mental health status when developing plans for long-term services and supports. Programs that better support family caregivers also may help reduce anxiety symptoms among seniors.