Stress and depression have a colossal effect on physical health problems, a fact in no doubt in any quarter of medical or complementary science. Even when stress is not the direct cause of a disease, its co-existence can prevent us from achieving the emotional wellbeing necessary to effectively fight it. Quality of life is about much more than physical health, and we must be sure to prioritise mental health as our guide for a good life. After all, the two things are not separate and each one relies on the other.
A recent study highlights the truth of this claim for those of a mature age. The University of Minnesota’s research shows that older adults are at a high risk from stress-related disease, which are often the cause of stroke. The researchers claim that stress and negative emotions tend to increase with age and have a corresponding detrimental effect on both mental and physical wellness. The study tracked the health of 4,120 senior citizens from Chicago of an average age of 77 for a period of 10 years. The focus group underwent 452 strokes leading to hospitalisation, and 151 strokes leading to death. The medical records of all participants were supported by regular interviews to assess the level of negativity and daily stress they were suffering.
Standardised scales were used to assess the level of psychosocial distress experienced by the 4,120 Chicago participants. Research measured stress levels, life dissatisfactions, neurotic and depressive symptoms, and found that those suffering the most psychosocial distress were three times more likely to die from stroke compared to those measuring the lowest scores on the scale. Those with the highest stress levels were also seen to be 54% more likely to get hospitalised at the time of their first stroke than their least stressed counterparts.
It is important to recognise the fatal effects of stress in those of mature years. For one, it can help us form life habits early enough to avoid these dangers ourselves. Furthermore, it should encourage us to provide all the health and wellbeing support necessary to older people close to us. The emotional trials of later life are challenging, and can be avoided by the establishment of a relaxed mindset and good quality of life.
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