In: Anatomy and Physiology
1. Stress & its Manifestations
(A) Discuss what could be stressor to an older 72 year old man and the possible manifestations
(B) Discuss what could be a stressor to a fetus and the possible manifestations
(C) Discuss the effect of stress on certain diseases
(D) Discuss the stages of the stress response
Sources of stress:
Common sources of stress for elderly include:
Changes of lifestyle and financial status after retirement
Caring for grandchildren
Caring for a sick spouse
Death of relatives, beloved or close friends
Deterioration of physical abilities and chronic illness
Worries for not being able to live independently
Worries for institutionalization
Common signs and symptoms of stress:
A. Physiological:
insomnia, nightmare
loss of appetite, palpitation
frequent urination
muscle pain and tiredness
B. Emotional and psychological:
anxiety, fear, frustration, depression
restlessness, poor concentration, forgetfulness
Stress management:
The elderly can share their difficulties and feelings in facing stress, and their way of coping, with those they can confide (e.g. relatives and friends). This helps to ventilate emotions and facilitate the learning of different strategies of coping with stress.
An active social life, healthy lifestyle and relaxation exercises are all useful ways to handle stress.
Engaging in volunteer work is a means to help those who are less fortunate. It also helps to boost self-confidence and broaden one's outlook in life.
Positive thinking, such as appreciating one's achievements and strengths, can help to enhance self-confidence and to cope with stress.
The elderly can seek help from professionals in case of need. Smoking, drinking and substance abuse are harmful and should never be used as ways to cope with stress.
Main stages
Hans Selye broke the process down into three separate and sequential stages, including the alarm, resistance and exhaustion stages. Not everyone experiences all three stages, which depends on how long or how often you may be exposed to stress. Let's take a look at what happens to you when you're in the alarm stage.