Psychological Care Guide for Older Adults in Wartime Conditions Published Specialized Recommendations for Reducing Anxiety Among the Elderly
The Office of Mental, Social, and Addiction Health of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education has released an educational brochure titled“Psychosocial Care Guide for Older Adults: A Resource for Caregivers and Family Members.”The brochure emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the mental well-being of older adults during wartime and offers practical strategies for reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of safety in this population.According to Webda, the Office of Mental, Social, and Addiction Health stated that in wartime conditions, older adults—due to heightened sensitivity to environmental changes and concerns about the future—may experience more intense psychological reactions and therefore require additional emotional and behavioral support.The guide notes that persistent worries about safety, repetitive questions, insomnia, mild irritability, unexplained physical complaints, and social withdrawal are among the common stress-related reactions observed in older adults. These behaviors often arise from psychological distress and should not be interpreted as stubbornness or personal weakness.The brochure highlights the importance of creating a sense of security through calm communication, using short and clear sentences, and avoiding stressful discussions in the presence of older adults. It also recommends limiting continuous exposure to news and maintaining a calm environment at home, especially before bedtime.Maintaining a structured daily routine—such as regular times for meals, sleep, and medication—is another key recommendation in the guide. The Office noted that even in restrictive circumstances, following a simple daily plan can significantly help reduce anxiety.Another section of the guide addresses managing sleep disturbances in older adults. It advises creating a restful sleep environment, avoiding long afternoon naps, and encouraging light daily activities such as walking inside the home. Persistent sleep problems, however, warrant medical consultation.The Office also underscores the importance of empathetic listening and suggests replacing phrases such as “It’s nothing” or “Don’t worry” with expressions that validate the older adult’s feelings and foster a sense of companionship.Engaging older adults in simple, ability-appropriate tasks—such as assisting with meal preparation, tending to plants, or helping care for grandchildren—is identified as an effective strategy for preventing depression.The brochure further advises caregivers to safeguard their own well-being by ensuring adequate sleep, sharing responsibilities, and seeking support from other family members, as caregiver stress can easily transfer to the older adult.The Office of Mental, Social, and Addiction Health also identifies several warning signs requiring urgent medical attention, including sudden and severe confusion, extreme agitation, several consecutive nights of complete insomnia, and expressions of worthlessness.The guide concludes by emphasizing that during wartime, a “calm presence” is one of the most important forms of psychological support for older adults, and that reassurance and sincere companionship can often be more effective than any formal intervention.
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