Anxiety in Women Over 60 - Spot It and Conquer it Today 

I'm 63. I'm feeling all those things. I have pulled away from my friends. I don't like going anywhere, I'm afraid what could happen if I leave my house and go into town afraid of maybe something bad happening out there. I live in the foothills and a lot of people scare me. So much crazy in the world. Plus I hurt all the time, two knee surgery, back surgery, seems like something new in my body hurts.😢

I can tell the difference at 63. Right now I am falling asleep at 8 pm and waking up at 2 AM....I can't get back to sleep. What I really think is that I slept enough...it is 6 hours.....just hard to be awake and up that early. Love these videos...reminds me I am normal and not alone.

When I’m feeling anxious I go outside and get sunshine. I either walk around or just sit in a lawn chair for about 30 minutes. I don’t use sunscreen. It’s wonderful!

I usually start doing something about it straight away. It helps to ask yourself what your worried about 5 years ago. Usually worries are very temporary. I had a bad cancer diagnosis 2 years ago. (stage 3. 6 ovarian) At first I was alarmed. Then I updated m my will. I realised that I couldn't do anything about the cancer. I already had a healthy lifestyle. So I just relaxed into the treatment and got on with life in the meantime. I was very lucky and the chemotherapy worked very well. They'd told me if it didn't there wasn't any alternative. Anyway I'm now out the other side, grateful and raring to go on with life!

Good morning, Margaret. When I'm anxious, the first thing I do is try to learn as much as I can about the situation that is contributing to that anxiety. I do what I can to change the situation, then I try to let it go - to not think about it. I also use my cats to ease the stress. A cat's purr has proven to be a stress reliever. I find a cat (i have 3) who is willing to be cuddled. I cuddle them until I feel more relaxed. It really helps. This is such an important topic as we get older. Thanks for researching this and for sharing. Judy from Missouri USA

Love that you are speaking on this. It matters to so many!❤

Being an extrovert, during the pandemic isolation I developed anxiety. Getting outdoors did help. My doctor kept telling me to go walking but I didn't do it right away. She was right. The anxiety does pop in a few times a week. I turn on RU-vid on my tablet and I organize a drawer, closet or just tidy up the house. That relaxes me.

I'm 65, i am suddenly a widow now, and I try to find joy every day. Not always successful, but i started walking and that feels like my special treat, i am up to 4 miles now. Your videos help so much, instead of crying all day because i am alone, i look for happy moments, and its working! I work on my health now!

It took me almost a decade to learn to manage anxiety. What helped a lot was learning to be patient with myself and taking things slowly but persistently. I slowly learned to set boundaries, rediscover core values and interests, made getting in nature a priority, mindfulness meditation (I like the little book called 30 Days to Reduce Stress by Harper Daniels for mindfulness exercises), and exercising a lot more, and journaling daily...getting those thoughts and emotions on paper as much as possible.

I have had GAD for years as a 71 year old I love to keep to myself.I have had a hectic life and have never lived by myself.I love it I know who I am now but never had time to even cope❤

After caring for my mother, sister and husband while they were dying caused anxiety attacks on my life. Losing all your family can have major effects on your health. I have overcome much of this problem. We suffer anxiety at times due to life events. It's a reality .

After losing my son 33 years ago. I decided that whatever happened to me in my life could not be worse than that. In a strange way that strategy has helped me with other problems. About 7 years ago I was worried about money and I said to my daughter thatI thought my house was going to fall down cause I was worried about money for house repairs. Of course my house did not fall down lol, and I managed to have money for repairs. So alot is of the bad stuff we worry about never happens, and even if it does somehow we find a way to cope. I am very grateful for all the good things in my life my family my cats being lucky enough to visit lots of other countries, and as I have said before all my indoor plants. So many in fact it's like being in a jungle. It's hard to be stressed when surrounded by so much greenery.

Margaret, this topic hit extremely close to home today. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in 1987, the same year my husband developed a heart condition. He passed in 1993. There were opportunities I let slip by after that. I believe it was a huge trigger for me. I've suffered with depression and anxiety on and off for years. But, the last so many years, it's definitely worsened. I tend to isolate and withdraw, feel extreme social anxiety, and generally, don't want to do anything anymore. I take meds, but, there is only so much they can do. I feel very lonely and alone..this, even though my son and his little family live right downstairs. Barely any social life anymore; I don't understand how my life has changed so drastically. Thank you so much for being a lifeline for all of us, and, addressing topics that are so relevant at this challenging time in our lives. Big hugs and take good care..we need you! Rosemarie ❤️

I am 75 and have had panic attacks and anxiety for years I am a widow lost everything live with my son I haven't left the house in over 2 months but I'm trying little things like dancing a little though I have to hold on to stuff because after 75 everything hurts including my hands turning on music and just remembering the music we used to listen to and maybe try to dance one or two little steps by ourselves while holding on to something if we have to! Little things like that to cheer us up maybe just sitting in the backyard for a little while and having a dog as a companion or a cat I have a huge dog fixing ourself up even if we don't go anywhere makes us feel a little bit better or skin care routine❤

For me I use prayer, have an anxiety one on my phone I say often and Dr Weil's breathing technique for when you are stressed. I've done it at the dentist, waiting for doctor or nervous about something. The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise The 4-7-8 breathing exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do it in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. This is one breath cycle. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four cycles. Note that with this breathing technique, you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply. This breathing exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it, but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass. Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension or stress. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it.

Another source of great anxiety is caring for elderly parents when we are in our '60s. My mother is 91 with dimentia; thankfully I have a sister and we work well together. It is a constant stress and we have our own health issues as well. Meditation/Prayer is a huge help, exercise and good nutrition are essential. When a panic attack feeling begins these are my go-to ways to manage them:: To regulate the fight/flight response: push ups against a wall; hold a pen up to your face and go back and forth focusing on the pen, then focusing on the background; 4-7-8 breathing - exhale, breathe in 4 counts, hold for 7, breathe out 8 counts. Do this 3 times and as needed to decrease heart rate. If panic attacks are frequent, definitely seek medical advice for help with managing it.

Vitamin D, exercise, self compassion,surrendering it to God, affirmations

PTL Margaret…excellent topic; by the way, you look lovely. Thank you for sharing this information, it’s vital. Change is something we need to accept; when we relax and flow with change, anxiety dissipates💯💌!

Meditation is paramount in relieving anxiety. I am working on other things, reducing sugar and exercise. I also find that gentle yoga helps.

Thank you for this topic,i have suffered from depression and gad since about 17years old,my mom had the same issues,health and money are big stressers.

Hi Margaret, Connected deeply with the subject of this video and would like say has helped me quite a lot. I recognised many of the symptoms of anxiety you mentioned, as many of us will, and my way of coping well, doing Qi Gong set of movements with an online tutor with special set of movements for anxiety, sleep . I had not realised the power of a consistent practice, just even for a few minutes every day. Why not give it a try?

Thanks Margaret for this great advice.❤

Perfect timing for this topic as it is something I am struggling with.

I have suffered with anxiety all my life. Right from primary school. Nothing has really helped me (ive tried everything) and ive also had panic attacks. Now i have depression some days are really hard especially since im now living alone.

Thank you Margaret. This video as all your others are so helpful.❤

I have battled anxiety for 45 years...I am 66. The pandemic totally threw me into overdrive. I had to go on medication for sleep which is not working anymore. I have gone through cancer also. If I could just sleep 8 hours....oh I would be in heaven.

All good advice! Thanks for addressing this topic. Makes me feel like I’m not alone in this and that’s more than half the battle.

I never understood what anxiety was until 55. Now I sure know! I write therapy diary and tape my thoughts while driving to work. Then I use voice writing to add them to my diary. Going on 300 pages! It's like telling my thoughts to a listening ear.

Thanks for sharing Margaret....you always have such great topics!

Thank you for sharing, I feel more at ease, I’m experiencing everything you are talking about. My feelings, reactions aren’t unusual. I appreciate your suggestions, very helpful.

Ellen Langer on the power of your mind is good reading

Thank you for addressing this topic. As a lifelong anxiety sufferer it has been wonderful to listen to others that suffer from this as well. I have many things like others that are trigger points for me and I'm so grateful to hear your calming voice and words of wisdom. Thanks to all of you for being a great group that are so gracious with yourselves as to help others along the way. I am here to listen and try to help you as well. Much love

I have bad knees and I was told by my cardiologist that because of my blood pressure and high cholestrial that I shouldn't have surgery. Walking is really tough because of the pain.

Your videos are always relevant and timely. You provide many of us with education, resources and to not feel alone or that there is something wrong with us. Part of it is natural aging. And, you encourage professional help when needed etc. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this 🙏

I'm 61 and I've had all that same anxiety you've mentioned. I have been wondering why this is happening to me but now I know this is consistent with my age and that I'm female. Thank you for discussions.

Thank you, Margaret🙏🏻 A very important topic for women💕

Yes, Margaret thank you. I have really been going through an anxiety bout. So I have just been staying home, resting and trying to regain my emotional control. YAY! I am going to grocery store today, I actually have vacuumed... These are big steps for me because the last 8 days I have been in FREEZE FRAME. mode. I am 70 & alone! I need to keep me together. I live in a VERY small town and have one friend that struggles also with depression & anxiety. I discontinued political news because in USA because I believe this is what started my anxiety. Anyway.. life is good I just need to keep taking one step at this time.

Hi Margaret, I hope you are feeling good and enjoying your day!! I have to say, I know a lot about anxiety!! I kind of say it with a smile 😊 . I immediately thought of Robert DeNiro in Analyze This and Analyze That...with Billy Crystal too. If you haven't seen those I highly recommend them. My life was also changed in a flash when I fell and had a terrible head injury. I'm now 70 and I'm better than ever. I do still have a bit of agoraphobia which is something I work on by getting out and doing!! Ladies, on utube there are so many exercise and balance classes that I consider life savers. Pay attention to what you're doing and no multitasking. As beautiful and wise Margaret tells us, don't ever give up. As long as we're here, there's always hope!!! No matter what our age, we can get stronger and that I have found helps me to feel more powerful, both mentally and physically. I love you Margaret and I get nervous driving because of my injury, so I have a new habit of listening to you and it's really helping. Thank you and be well everyone ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

The great truth is that life is unfair, and that is how it is. Once we recognise that unpalatable fact and digest it, things do become easier. I see the unfairness of life every day, and even the greatest of minds havent worked out why life is like that

Good morning Margaret, I came across your videos because I had ordered a couple of hairbands and there you were with your delightful hairband video, loved it. Thank you for your videos, you are such a lovely lady and I find your videos comforting, being a 61 year old lady and feeling isolated and I suffer with anxiety and depression and panic attacks. Thank you again 🙏🥰

I have anxiety so debilitating I had to leave my job in 2021 (thank goodness for spousal social security) I’ve been on Xanax 20 years and it barely helps anymore And because of my age my doctor won’t increase the dose So I started using cannabis gummies and it helps immensely I am actually starting to venture out into the world again.

My best remedy for anxiety is Bible study. First thing in the morning with a hot beverage of choice is my best time. It's the listening side of prayer.

Such a great topic! I know getting out for a walk or run are game changers for me. Whether it's anxiety or I just need to change my head space, getting into my body and getting some fresh air in nature always help.

thanks for sharing this video with us. take care and be safe. love you ms margaret.

Diaphragmatic breathing is also very good for anxiety or panic attacks.

Hi Margaret, I totally agree with your sentiments, re. anxiety etc., you are amazing, relaying as you do your oh so helpful advice. I so, so love to have you for a neighbour. I have issues that I could share with you but not everyone, is this possible. Thank you for your interesting videos, keep them coming. X

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Thank you from Nor Cal

Thank you 🎉!

You look beautiful in the morning light ❤

Dress looks lovely!

Great advice as usual thanks for talking about tricky stuff !

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Im working on making some big changes in my life. Getting rid of things and i want to travel. I live in a small apartment that i can afford. My goal is to find a country i can better afford. I have a small amount of funds saved and a monthly income. If i don't go now i never will. I am afraid of getting stuck some how in a country ill or hurt. Ideas or encouragement welcomed. Everyone i know has died, moved away or lost to alcoholism or politics. I need a change.

Good topic. I have anxiety over makeup. I look bad with it and bad without and don’t want to be judged on my looks. I’m retired now and mostly shut the outside world off Aging sucks

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