Most adults face predictable and challenging situations in later life. These situations usually come from change. Change can be stressfu, even if it is for the good. Older adults tend to experience a lot of change – some expected (loss of friends to death) and some over which people have no control (loss of the ability to drive). When stressors multiply, people are more vulnerable to mental health problems.

Common age related changes and challenges that are associated with stress include:

• retirement
• increased leisure or unstructured time
• health changes
• reliance on others
• social adjustments
• financial changes
• loss of loved ones
• pain or disability
• relocation or housing changes
• negotiating new systems (i.e. health care benefits)
• medication use
• caregiving for another person
• sensory decline (hearing, vision)
• mobility restrictions
• change in appearance
• development of new relationships
• cultural emphasis on the value of youth

The two stress themes most commonly associated with mental health disorders in later life are loss and social isolation. Individual factors that contribute to negative stress responses include: persistent stress, lack of support, resistance to change in circumstances and routine, and a negative outlook on life.

Stress effects our bodies, our minds and our behaviors. People under a lot of stress may feel overwhelmed, anxious, worried, fearful, angry, irritable, helpless or depressed.

Physical signs of stress may include:

• fatigue
• headache
• cold hands and feet
• changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• back pain
• stomach problems

If any of these symptoms last more than a few weeks, it is important to talk to a doctor or other health care professional. Prolonged stress interferes with the body’s ability to fight illness and may result in brain changes that cause mental illness.