8 Booking Day Tours, Extended Trips and QPAC Shows REGISTER WITH US TO FIND OUT MORE! PHONE 1300 794 373 www.currumbinvalleycoaches.com.au FREE, FIXED NO OBLIGATION QUOTES FREE, FIXED NO OBLIGATION QUOTES Need it done? Jim’s the one! 131 546 INSURANCE COVER Satisfaction Guaranteed! P Lawn Mowing P Gutter Cleaning P Rubbish Removal P General Maintenance P Irrigation Installation P New Lawn Laying P Yard Clean Ups P Tree Removal P Weed Control P Fertilizing P Pruning How to help Seniors cope when there is lots of bad news in the media Access to news has never been easier. We can find out about and watch rolling coverage of events worldwide. Unfortunately, these events are often negative, involving wars, natural disasters, or crises. Constant exposure to such content can impact mental health, leading to anxiety and stress over situations beyond our control. At Home Care Assistance, we recognise how bad news in the media affects individuals, especially seniors. This article provides practical tips to help older adults manage their news consumption and emotional well-being. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive news exposure. Unlike younger individuals who balance negative news with busy, active lives, seniors may spend more time at home with fewer distractions. This can result in feelings of sadness or helplessness about the state of the world. Furthermore, past experiences, such as living through wars or economic crises, may resurface, intensifying emotional responses to current events. Tips for Managing News Exposure: 1. Understand the Impact of Bad News Many people do not realise the psychological toll of constant exposure to distressing news. Discuss with your loved ones how negative news can contribute to anxiety and depression. Recognising these effects is the first step toward managing them. Additionally, understanding how their past experiences shape their reactions can provide valuable insight into their emotional state. 2. Limit Exposure to Negative News Reducing news consumption can help mitigate its impact. Encourage seniors to watch less news and choose reliable, balanced sources. Setting a specific time for news intake, such as 30 minutes in the evening, prevents excessive exposure. If distressing news dominates television broadcasts, consider introducing streaming services or entertainment channels as alternatives. 3. Encourage Healthy Conversations Allow older loved ones to express their feelings about distressing news but ensure discussions remain balanced. Engage in constructive conversations that include positive aspects of the world. Acknowledging emotions while redirecting focus to uplifting topics can foster a healthier perspective. 4. Promote Positive Activities Encouraging participation in enjoyable activities can counterbalance negative news. Hobbies like crafting, gardening, reading, or volunteering can bring fulfilment and purpose. Activities such as meditation, yoga, or light exercise help create a sense of calm and stability. 5. Foster Social Connections Social isolation increases vulnerability to the negative effects of bad news. Organising regular family check-ins or establishing a visitation schedule ensures seniors have consistent company. Joining local clubs or online groups provides additional opportunities for social engagement. 6. Provide Resources for Support If distressing news triggers past traumas, professional support may be beneficial. A general practitioner can recommend appropriate mental health resources. Support groups can also provide a safe space for processing emotions. 7. Encourage a Balanced Perspective Teach seniors to evaluate news critically, distinguishing between balanced reporting and sensationalism. Sharing positive news or personal highlights can help counteract negative narratives, reinforcing a more optimistic outlook. Staying informed is important, but excessive exposure to negative news can be harmful, particularly for seniors. Implementing these strategies can help your loved ones maintain a balanced perspective and safeguard their mental well-being. Contact Home Care Assistance Gold Coast on 5528 1643. See advert page 9
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