The Health Risks Of Rage

Often times, people incorrectly assume that having an anger outburst can be somewhat therapeutic (it’s what the trendy “Rage Rooms” are built upon, after all). The truth of the matter though, is that uncontrollable fits are actually damaging to the body; particularly for seniors and people of a more advanced age.

This latest research happens to have the backing of the American Psychological Association (also known as the APA), which published a new study comparing anger with sadness among older Americans. Their findings showed that crying and depression outbursts were actually less harmful to the body than rage.

The science actually goes back to inflammation and the immune responses to exhausting fits of anger. As we get older, rage triggers can cause real tissue damage (especially if they’re a regular occurrence), leading to heart disease, arthritis and even cancer.

The APA looked at over 220 older adults, ranging in age from 59-93, for the study. Taken over the course of a week, they discovered that daily anger outbursts led to increased inflammation. Those who had crying spells or experienced sadness did not see these types of damaging results.

Concordia University’s Meaghan A. Barlow, who led the study, spoke with the press about the results. She was quick to point out that anger can serve a positive purpose for some, perhaps leading to motivation. But as we age, it can have dangerous consequences.

“Anger becomes problematic for adults once they reach their senior years,” Barlow explained. “Because that is when many experience irreversible losses and some of life’s pleasures fall out of reach.”

Barlow was specifically referencing the increased hardships that occur as we get older. Losing a spouse, for example, or perhaps getting a difficult health diagnosis. For some, this can create feelings of depression or sadness. But for many, they can be rage triggers, eliciting anger over the “Why me?” scenario.

We have also known that chronic rage fits have a long-lasting impact on the body. Ulcers, for example, are often rooted in anxious or angry feelings. And let’s not forget the physical consequences of an upsetting episode. Often times, people who blow their top tend to get into fights or injure themselves by punching a fist through a wall.

The best solution is to get to the root of the rage. No anger episode will really solve the underlying problem. Our advice is to seek out help and avoid harmful physical ailments; especially as you begin to enter your golden years.

Social Media May Help Seniors With Depression

Often times, social media is associated with many negative connotations. Some people claim it can be addictive and potentially cause ADHD. Others warn about its dark underbelly and the predators who use it to sell drugs or scam account holders. But let it be known that there are many positive aspects to this medium as well. It all depends on how people choose to use it. And, as a recent study showed, for lonely seniors, social media is proving itself to be a powerful tool.

Reuters Health recently reported that people 67 and older who live in assisted living communities have found sites like Facebook and YouTube to be incredibly inspiring. And for those of them who suffer from chronic pain (as many older Americans do), depression levels dropped significantly following regular usage of social media.

The research specifically revealed that 15 percent of seniors dealing with pain showed signs of depression. When sites like Facebook entered the equation, however, that number changed to just 6 percent. Study co-author (and University of Michigan at Ann Arbor professor) Shannon Ang attributed that shift to the sense of community that social media brings. Even if family members and friends live far away, these web destinations make them feel much closer.

“Using online social media to maintain contact with family members and friends is a good way to compensate for seniors who restrict their social activities due to pain. It is not going to replace seeing people in person, but it will help supplement their reduced activities,” Ang explained. “For us, this study is about preserving mental health.”

The only hiccup is that many people within this age group are somewhat unfamiliar with these sites and how they work. So despite the fact that a place like Facebook can drastically decrease depression symptoms, only 17 percent of that population regularly logs on.

This, of course, will change as younger generations enter their senior years and it will be very interesting to see what kind of role social media will play for the next set of older Americans. But for now, we agree that these types of sites should be strongly considered in the fight against elderly depression. And on that note, we encourage family members to teach their parents and grandparents about the benefits of staying virally connected.

“It’s very well known that social support is helpful for depression and physical symptoms,” Ang concluded. “It’s a growing area of interest in research and clinical care.”

How To Handle An Addicted Parent

No matter how old we get, there will always be uncomfortable subjects to discuss with mom and dad. Even as we begin to think of them more as peers (or even friends), they are still the ones who raised us and a level of respect is always necessary. That is part of the reason why confronting an addiction with an older parent proves to be so difficult. But if substance abuse is occurring, it needs to be addressed for the safety and welfare of the family. U.S. News and World Reports recently published a helpful article on this topic, pointing out tips when it comes to parental interventions.

One of the trends that happens to be rising among older Americans is alcoholism. In fact, U.S. News is reporting that as many as 15 percent of U.S. seniors qualify as “at-risk drinkers.”

So how do we approach a mother, father or grandparent suffering from this? With care and thoughtfulness, as addressed in the article’s highlights below…

Find The Right Time To Discuss It

U.S. News emphasized the best moments to bring up a sensitive issue like substance abuse. Their recommendation is to do it during moments of sobriety, or even in the midst of a hangover when the parent is experiencing physical pain because of their problem. Trying to approach a parent while inebriated can prove challenging and ultimately doesn’t always lead to a meaningful conversation.

Avoid Labels

Use your words wisely, the article warns. Throwing out terms like “alcoholic” or “addict” can create defensiveness and even humiliate a parent. The point here is not to criticize the loved one, but rather to offer encouragement and support. Let them know that there is no shame in their problem and that is very common for people their age.

Continue To Show Respect For Your Parents

For many seniors, it is difficult to receive lectures from their grown children. They are, after all, the wise people who raised you and certainly deserve respect. U.S. News advises to avoid “talking down” to a loved one battling an addiction. Emphasize that this is coming from a place of love and genuine concern. Stern lectures and ultimatums can actually backfire in these types of situations.

Offer To Do The Heavy Lifting

If your parent does show interest in conquering their addiction, help guide them along the process. If it makes things easier, you can be the one to reach out to the appropriate treatment facility and coordinate their journey into sobriety.