Senior Life Solutions November Newsletter
Understanding PTSD in Older Adults
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with younger people, usually combat veterans returning from war or first responders recovering from recent trauma. But the reality is that PTSD can affect anyone, at any age, including older adults. In fact, many seniors may still be carrying the weight of traumatic experiences from long ago. As they age, these buried memories and emotions can resurface in powerful and sometimes unexpected ways, especially during times of loss, isolation, or major life changes.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This could include war, natural disasters, accidents, violence, or abuse. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, emotional numbness, and increased irritability or anxiety.
Why PTSD Can Resurface Later in Life.
As people age, certain changes in life can trigger old wounds. Retirement mayremove a sense of purpose or structure. Physical health issues or cognitive declinecan lower one’s resilience. The loss of loved ones, social isolation, and a slowerpace of life can all create space for unresolved memories and emotions to surface.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), trauma that was once managed or “tucked away” can become harder to ignore in later life. For some aging veterans and civilians alike, PTSD may emerge for the first time after many years of silence.
Common Signs of PTSD in Older Adults
PTSD can look different in older adults than in younger individuals. Some older adults may:
- Appear withdrawn or emotionally flat
- Complain of physical symptoms without clear cause
- Avoid talking about the past
- Experience sleep disturbances or increased anxiety
- Feel guilt or shame tied to the trauma
Sometimes these symptoms are mistaken for normal aging or other conditionslike dementia or depression. That’s why it’s so important for caregivers andhealthcare providers to ask thoughtful questions and consider a person’s full life history.
Treatment Options That Work
Thankfully, studies have found that evidence-based treatments for PTSD are effective for older adults. Therapy approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy(CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be adapted to suit the needs and pace of older individuals. Group therapy can also be a helpful and healing practice.
Therapists may also incorporate life review techniques, helping older adults reflection the meaning of their experiences while processing traumatic memories. Medication may be recommended in some cases, especially when PTSD is accompanied by depression or anxiety.
Importantly, treatment plans should consider physical health, cognitive ability,social support, and other aging-related factors.
Helping an Older Adult with PTSD
If you think an older adult in your life may be struggling with PTSD, here are some
steps you can take:
- Start a conversation. Gently ask about their past experiences and how they’re feeling now.
- Encourage professional support. A geriatric mental health provider or trauma-informed therapist can make a big difference.
- Offer patience and compassion. Healing from trauma is possible at any age— but it takes time, trust, and understanding.
A Week of Simple Self-Care Activities for Better Mental Health
When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But small, regular self-care activities can make a big difference in how you feel, both mentally and physically. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to care for your well-being. Just doing one small thing each day can help you feel more balanced, more in control, and more connected to yourself and others. Here’s a simple weekly plan with an easy self-care activity for each day of the week:
Monday: Take a 10 minute walk outside.
Start your week by getting some fresh air. A short walk can clear your head, reduce stress, and help you feel more energized. If walking isn’t easy for you, just sitting outdoors for a few minutes can still offer many of the same benefits.
Tuesday: Call or visit someone you care about.
Loneliness can hurt our mental health. Reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor for a quick chat; even a five-minute phone call can lift your spirits. Connection matters.
Wednesday: Do something creative.
You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. Try coloring, journaling, baking, knitting, or even arranging flowers. Creative activities give your brain a break from worry and help you stay present in the moment
Thursday: Declutter one small area.
Pick one small space, like a drawer, a shelf, or a corner of your desk, and tidy it up. Clearing physical clutter can help you feel more mentally clear and in control.
Friday: Practice gratitude.
Take a few minutes to think of three things you’re thankful for. You can write them down or just say them out loud. Focusing on the good in your life, even small things like a warm cup of coffee or a kind word, can boost your mood.
Saturday: Do something just for you.
What brings you joy? Reading, gardening, dancing in your living room? Make time for something that makes you happy. You deserve it.
Sunday: Rest and reflect.
Give yourself permission to rest. Take a nap, sip tea, or listen to calming music. You can also think about the past week—what went well, what you learned, and what you’re looking forward to in the week ahead.
Reminder:
Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Taking care of your mind and body helps you stay strong, cope with stress, and enjoy life more fully. Try adding these simple habits to your week, and see how they make you feel.
Building new habits takes time, and it’s okay if you miss a day or two. Self-care isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing yourself kindness and doing what you can. If one activity doesn’t fit your day, try another. Be flexible, and give yourself credit for even the smallest steps. Mental health is a journey, not a checklist.
We Can Help.
Our hospital-based outpatient program is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis. Anyone can make a referral to our program, including self-referrals, provider referrals, or community consultations.
Call us today at 402-533-4448
