Common Stressors Experienced by the Well Elderly: Clinical Implications

ABSTRACT The purposes of the article are twofold - first, to report on a study that determined the 10 most commonly experienced stressors in individuals 65 years of age and older, and second, to present nursing interventions for each of the top 10 stressors. The research was conducted on a convenience sample of 200 healthy older adults living in the community using the Stokes/ Gordon Stress Scale. The two most commonly experienced stressors were slowing down and concern for world conditions. Others among the top 10 were constant or recurring pain or discomfort, time too short with children or grandchildren, and wishing parts of one's life had been different. Interventions discussed included careful planning of each day's activities, joining discussion groups on world events, participating in a political campaign, using e-mail and other technological communication methods, using reminiscence therapy, and implementing the use of various complementary therapies. The purposes of the article are twofold - first, to report on a study that determined the 10 most commonly experienced stressors in individuals 65 years of age and older, and second, to present nursing interventions for each of the top 10 stressors. The research was conducted on a convenience sample of 200 healthy older adults living in the community using the Stokes/ Gordon Stress Scale. The two most commonly experienced stressors were slowing down and concern for world conditions. Others among the top 10 were constant or recurring pain or discomfort, time too short with children or grandchildren, and wishing parts of one's life had been different. Interventions discussed included careful planning of each day's activities, joining discussion groups on world events, participating in a political campaign, using e-mail and other technological communication methods, using reminiscence therapy, and implementing the use of various complementary therapies.