{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-and-the-older-adult","path":"/library/stress-and-the-older-adult","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-and-the-older-adult","title":"Stress and the Older Adult","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover the stresses faced by older adults, including finances and health. Learn coping strategies and reduce stress.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-and-the-older-adult","wordpressId":"5676","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz"}],"dates":{"datePublished":"2013-02-22T05:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-08-25T19:00:03Z"},"content":{"html":"

Stress and the Older Adult

Written by Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.

Published on · Updated on

Stress and resilience in later life

Most people would agree that we live in an age of stress. Furthermore, there is evidence that younger people, such as those between the ages of 18 to 35, experience more stress than older adults who are retired or near to it.

The speculation about why this gap exists ranges from the notion that older adults have learned how to cope with life all the way to having less responsibility because the kids have grown up, moved out and how have their own families.

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In other words, older adults have a level of resilience as compared to those who are younger. However, this does not mean that older people are stress free. So, what are the stresses that are experienced for this older group?

\"An

Key takeaways

  • Older adults may face stress related to retirement finances, health changes, bereavement, and loneliness.
  • Experience and established coping skills can provide resilience without eliminating these pressures.
  • Physical activity, family contact, and community involvement can offer enjoyment and social support.

Financial, health, and bereavement pressures

The economy is more of an issue than in years past. It takes significantly more money to live and thrive after retirement. Therefore, there are worries about whether or not money saved and invested will last through the remainder of their lives.

\n

Now, this is especially true when people are living longer than ever before. Then, there are concerns about how best to use the leisure time created by retirement.

Here, too, finances play a role because being short of money may impact on the number things that can be done. For example, the hope that an older person had that they could travel may have to be modified or eliminated.

Another stressor for older adults is the issue of health. While age increases the chances of declining health. Exercising and keep fit can stave off many health risks, there are no guarantees. Age, health and coping with the loss of old friends and relatives add to the danger of depression.

As loved ones pass away there is the inevitable process of mourning. Perhaps the most difficult loss of all to have to tolerate is the death of a spouse. All of this can increase feelings of anxiety about isolation and loneliness.

Coping through activity and connection

At the very same time, older people have developed good coping strategies to deal with the ups and downs of life. Many people use exercise to maintain health and have fun. Some of the types of exercise go beyond using the gym into playing sports.

Golf, tennis and other forms of competition provide a good outlet for many. Besides sports competition, many people join with friends in going for long walks or jogging together in large groups.

\n

In addition, it feels good for many to spend time with family. Enjoying the benefits of grand parenting mitigate loneliness and provide another means to have fun. What once was the responsibility of parenting is now the leisure of playing with grandchildren. Leisure time allows those interested to attend Church or Synagogue services and the opportunity to engage in community activities through their religious institution.

The main point is that, at any age, people face stress. There are excellent coping strategies and skills that help reduce the harmful effects of stress. It is suggested that the reader to our self help section to learn more about how to reduce stress.

Your comments are welcome.

Allan N. Schwartz, PhD

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Natalie Staats Reiss Ph.D.

Older adults and caregivers

View profile

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.

LCSW, Ph.D.

Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is a medical writer with more than 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes on a wide range of mental health topics, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, stress, and relationship challenges.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Related community

Emotional Health

Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.

","text":"Home Library Emotional Health Stress and the Older Adult Stress and the Older Adult Written by Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. Published on February 22, 2013 · Updated on August 25, 2025 Stress and resilience in later life Most people would agree that we live in an age of stress. Furthermore, there is evidence that younger people, such as those between the ages of 18 to 35, experience more stress than older adults who are retired or near to it. The speculation about why this gap exists ranges from the notion that older adults have learned how to cope with life all the way to having less responsibility because the kids have grown up, moved out and how have their own families. In other words, older adults have a level of resilience as compared to those who are younger. However, this does not mean that older people are stress free. So, what are the stresses that are experienced for this older group? Key takeaways Older adults may face stress related to retirement finances, health changes, bereavement, and loneliness. Experience and established coping skills can provide resilience without eliminating these pressures. Physical activity, family contact, and community involvement can offer enjoyment and social support. Financial, health, and bereavement pressures The economy is more of an issue than in years past. It takes significantly more money to live and thrive after retirement. Therefore, there are worries about whether or not money saved and invested will last through the remainder of their lives. Now, this is especially true when people are living longer than ever before. Then, there are concerns about how best to use the leisure time created by retirement. Here, too, finances play a role because being short of money may impact on the number things that can be done. For example, the hope that an older person had that they could travel may have to be modified or eliminated. Another stressor for older adults is the issue of health. While age increases the chances of declining health. Exercising and keep fit can stave off many health risks, there are no guarantees. Age, health and coping with the loss of old friends and relatives add to the danger of depression. As loved ones pass away there is the inevitable process of mourning. Perhaps the most difficult loss of all to have to tolerate is the death of a spouse. All of this can increase feelings of anxiety about isolation and loneliness. Coping through activity and connection At the very same time, older people have developed good coping strategies to deal with the ups and downs of life. Many people use exercise to maintain health and have fun. Some of the types of exercise go beyond using the gym into playing sports. Golf, tennis and other forms of competition provide a good outlet for many. Besides sports competition, many people join with friends in going for long walks or jogging together in large groups. In addition, it feels good for many to spend time with family. Enjoying the benefits of grand parenting mitigate loneliness and provide another means to have fun. What once was the responsibility of parenting is now the leisure of playing with grandchildren. Leisure time allows those interested to attend Church or Synagogue services and the opportunity to engage in community activities through their religious institution. The main point is that, at any age, people face stress. There are excellent coping strategies and skills that help reduce the harmful effects of stress. It is suggested that the reader to our self help section to learn more about how to reduce stress. Your comments are welcome. Allan N. Schwartz, PhD Subject matter expert Natalie Staats Reiss Ph.D. Older adults and caregivers View profile About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. LCSW, Ph.D. Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is a medical writer with more than 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes on a wide range of mental health topics, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, stress, and relationship challenges. Published February 22, 2013 Updated August 25, 2025 Related community Emotional Health Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life. 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