We all know it, and we all live it daily—stress. But did you know that seniors experience stress too? You might wonder, “What could they possibly be stressed about?” After all, they live in beautiful communities, have friendly neighbors, enjoy bingo games, and go on outings. Sounds perfect, right? Well, not so fast!

A research team from the School of Psychoeducation in Montreal recently published a study on stress management for seniors in Frontiers in Psychology on January 5, 2025. The study sheds light on an often-overlooked issue—stress resilience in older adults.

The 6-week study, called the O’stress program, involved 170 seniors with an average age of 76. Participants reported improved emotional health, using more problem-solving strategies and experiencing less anxiety three weeks after completing the program. Even more impressive? Their diurnal cortisol levels—a marker of chronic stress—were significantly lower than those of non-participants.

The O’stress program is based on DeStress for Success, an innovative program created by The Center for Studies on Human Stress to help teenagers transition to high school. Marie-Josee Richer, who conducted her doctoral research on this topic, noted, “Aging, like adolescence but for different reasons, is a particularly sensitive period when individuals are more vulnerable to chronic stress and its consequences.”

Have you talked to your residents about stress? You might be surprised to learn that they experience anxiety—whether it’s related to moving into a new community, losing a spouse, losing independence, or being separated from family. Stress is universal, and everyone has their own reasons. It’s comforting to know that researchers are paying attention to this critical issue.

Stay well and stay informed!