Ms Bandana Bisht, Vice-principal CCN delivered an awareness talk on “Stress Management in Elderly” at Chandigarh

Ms Bandana Bisht, Vice Principal, Chitkara College of Nursing (CCN) was invited for an awareness talk on “Stress Management in elderly” at Senior Citizen Home, Sector-15, Chandigarh on 5th December 2017. Stress, though common in all but is more overwhelming for an elderly population. Grief or loss of a spouse, functional loss, empty nest, change in economic condition and societal role are some of the triggers which are common in this age group and the way they respond also vary a lot. Due to poor immunity and extreme stress, they are more prone to chronic diseases like heart disease or cancer. Stress is also a precursor to depression and suicide among the elderly population. To address this issue of great importance, there could be no better place than Old age homes or senior citizen homes where senior destitute old people, with no one to take care, find refuge.

In her talk, she specifically discussed the existing triggers and ineffective defense strategies used by the old age persons. Many residents of old age home discussed their personal problems. With the help of their personal experiences, they were taught regarding effective coping strategies to combat stress. One-on-one discussion with few of the inmates who were under acute stress was done in order to realize them about their existing strengths. Overall, it was a fruitful interaction with most of them expressed that they are feeling far better after learning their own strengths and coping mechanisms.