How to Stop Geriatric Irritability

Being active in enjoyable hobbies will help keep irritability at a minimum.

Geriatric irritability can sometimes feel impossible to treat or live with. The good news is that it can be managed, and irritability is a completely normal reaction from seniors who are facing physical symptoms of illnesses compounded with the regular stress of life. Financial worries or loneliness can create irritability, especially when physical pain or sickness is also involved. Fortunately, managing irritability can be done safely and privately with no side effects. It is also important for the family to get involved and to assist the senior with activities to help him cope with irritability.

Instructions

Managing Symptoms by Expression

1. 

   Taking a daily walk is a good rule of thumb for reducing irritability.

   Express yourself by talking out your emotions to a spouse, good friend or family member you can trust. Talking alleviates tension and helps reduce irritability.

2. Write out your feelings in a diary or a journal. Writing poems, stories, or memories of your childhood will help keep your memory active and your mind busy, both of which will help reduce irritability. Write letters or send emails to friends and family members to remain connected to people important to you. Writing is a positive way of expressing yourself.

3. Cry. Crying is a positive tension reliever, according to the BC Health Guide. Crying is also part of a healthy emotional healing process.

4. Paint, sculpt or become involved in some other form of art. Expressing yourself through arts and crafts will help reduce tension and irritability.

Managing Habits

1. 

   Herbal tea is a healthy beverage for seniors to drink.

   Refrain from drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase irritability in seniors, and also acts as a depressant.

2. Refrain from drinking caffeine. Caffeine can trigger irritability and is a major cause of irritability in older Americans, according to MotherNature.com. If you feel that you cannot quit caffeine cold turkey, try switching to decaffeinated coffee some of the time, and then slowly acclimate your body while gently weaning yourself off of caffeine. You may soon find that your irritability has decreased along with your caffeine intake.

3. Refrain from eating foods that are overly processed or have too much sugar. Having unhealthy eating habits can trigger irritability and other health issues. Healthguide.org discusses the importance of healthy, nourishing foods that provide energy for seniors, and suggests that seniors take a daily multivitamin.

Enjoy Life

1. 

   Enjoy the sunshine each day with a companion.

   Invest in a pet. Bonding with and loving a pet will help you feel less lonely and give you somewhere to focus your attention. Each senior is different and has different health needs and financial obligations, so the pet needs must fit your situation. From fish to dogs, any type of pet can help reduce irritability in seniors.

2. Exercise each day in some way. Exercising can help reduce irritability. Talk to your physician about the proper exercises for your individual physical condition. If you cannot walk or play tennis, try water aerobics or arm and leg range of motion exercises, which can be done while seated.

3. Practice breathing exercises. According to the BC Health Guide, the way you breathe affects your entire body. Breathing properly when tension arises will help reduce irritability. Breathing slowly and deeply will help you to develop the full use of your lungs, and help you to find the rhythm of your own breath. Practice inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth slowly with quiet, whooshing sounds, with one hand gently resting on your abdomen and the other hand on your chest. Pay close attention to your breathing, and use this instant relaxation technique any time you need to reduce irritability.

References

• PNI: Pacific Neuropsychiatric Institute: Perspectives to the Management of Anxiety and Irritability in the Medically Ill and Geriatric Patients
• Help Guide: Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly

Resources

• Mother Nature: Irritability
• BC Health Guide; Healthwise; Donald W. Kemper, MPH; 2005