STRESS & COPING

IN LATER LIFE
Take a look into what your life can be, stress free.

WHY IS HANDLING STRESS

IMPORTANT?

A lot of misconceptions about aging can cause major

stress on people who may be unsure about what to
expect as they age. Handling life’s daunting
obstacles has never been easy, however, there are
many resources and tips that one can take to have
more control over their current or future situation.
One's quality of life can be dependent on many
factors, but coping with stress can help alleviate
some of those worries and lead to a more enjoyable
life. Remember to take life's problems one day at a
time.
 WHAT ARE POSSIBLE STRESSORS
THAT AFFECT YOU OR YOUR
LOVED ONES?
Transitioning into different roles as you age into later life
Examples:
-Being single > to married or in a relationship > to being widowed

-Being a childless > to becoming a Father > to becoming a Grandfather and so forth
-Being jobless > to having a job/career > to retiring from working
-Being taken care of > to being independent > to taking care of children > to being taken care of again

Major life events occuring while aging

Examples:
-Loss of a loved one
-Physical and/or mental illnesses
-Financial struggles *Table 1

-Change in physical abilities or

cognotive functions

*Table 1 shows many

more examples of life
events that cause
stress for many. This
table can help many
people be mindful of
their situation or loved
one's circumstances. By
being aware of what is
causing stress or harm
in one's life there can be
an easier path to find
out what one can do to
help deal with these
situations or events.
 Ways to cope with stress and what to do to
avoid adding more stress in one's life
Try:
Spending time with friends or family
Reaching out to friends or family
when you are struggling or see them
having difficulties coping with their
stress
Take part in physical activities such
as walking or excercising lightly
Finding comfort in hobbies such as
arts and crafts, gardening, reading,
etc.
Socializing with others, whether
through community volunteering or
visiting your local senior center
Reconnecting in your faith or religion
is that applies to your beliefs
Avoid:
Isolating yourself or straying away
from close relationships
Feeling too embarrassed to accept
help from others
Coping with unhealthy products
such as alcohol and/or using drugs
Stopping daily activities such as a
morrning or night routine
Oversleeping or not sleeping
enough
Too much screen time whether that
be television or phone use
Resources
Resources and Tips on how to
handle life's obstacles and enjoy it.

Links and Phone Numbers:

The Costa Mesa Senior Center

714-327-7500

Can provide more information

on groups or classes that deal
with coping with life stress. Also SOS
can provide you with further 949-270-2100
information you are looking for Can help with food resources and
that may be available specifically may provide rent relief if their funding
in your area. is present.

https://www.211.org
Visiting this website and/or calling 211 on your telephone, provides
countless resources available to you or your loved ones based on what
specific situation you are looking at resources for.

https://www.costamesaca.gov/residents/costa-mesa-

senior-center
Visiting this website will allow you access to all recent information
regarding food, transportation, social events or activities, as well as other
resources such as a social worker, legal aid help, and more information at
the Costa Mesa Senior Center.

https://www.officeonaging.ocgov.com
The Orange County Office On Aging provides resources and information
through their directory which includes help with insurance, donations,
assistance financially as well as with nutrition and safety, etc.