Most people don't think about stress as being part of older adulthood. Older adults are supposed to be able to take it easy and relax. But you may get stress from any of the following:

• financial problems,
• family problems,
• health and disability problems,
• "red-tape" problems from dealing with government agencies,
• housing problems,
• grief or loss, and
• retirement.

Older adults often feel less and less in control of their environment. This also leads to feelings of stress. It is important to realize that even good, positive changes can lead to feeling stressed. Many people don't know what to do once they have reached a goal and they don't have another goal to pursue. This can be especially true of retirement. It can leave you feeling like "Now what?"

Long-term stress can have negative effects on your physical health. It can lead to sleep problems, tense muscles, and other health problems. It can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Some techniques for dealing with stress include:

• regular exercise,
• meditation and deep breathing,
• hobbies,
• massages,
• hot baths or spas,
• listening to music or other relaxation tapes,
• self-hypnosis,
• a good social life,
• volunteering time to help others,
• counseling, therapy or support groups, or
• stopping or cutting down on alcohol and nicotine.

There are many good books, tapes, and videos that can help you learn to deal with stress. Check to see if these are available at your local library or senior center. You may need to try several different techniques before you find one that seems right for you. Don't let stress spoil your golden years.

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