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Worry can weigh more as we age
Later in life, anxiety may not look like simple nervousness. It can show up as worry, body aches, restlessness, trouble sleeping, forgetfulness, or avoiding people and places.
Even if you never struggled with anxiety before, big changes like health issues, loss, loneliness, fear of falling or your body changing, or worries about money and independence can all bring on anxiety.
What anxiety can look like later in life
Anxiety can feel like fear that will not let up, feeling on edge, or needing the same reassurance again and again. Anxiety can start in later life due to health changes, grief, chronic pain, hearing or vision loss, or stress.
Medical conditions like heart disease, thyroid issues, COPD, or medication side effects—and even depression or dementia—can look like anxiety or make it worse. A full checkup helps you understand what is going on and guides safe care that fits your needs.
Signs of anxiety you may notice
If something feels different, it is worth paying attention to. Changes to watch for can include trouble concentrating, worry that feels bigger than the situation, repeatedly asking for reassurance, or frequently checking health concerns. Anxiety may also show up through emotions, behavior, or physical changes.
Behavioral Signs
Feeling tired, dizzy, restless, or sick to your stomach. Trouble sleeping, body tension, headaches, or stomach problems can also be signs of anxiety.
Emotional Signs
Ongoing worry, fear, or trouble focusing. Your loved one may worry often about health, family, falling, memory loss, or being alone.
Physical Signs
Fear of being alone or feeling trapped, leading to social withdrawal, avoidance of activities, and a constant need for reassurance; or struggling with changes in daily routines, such as appointments.
These changes may be subtle at first. If you’re unsure, take this health screen, or call us at 1-800-423-4400. We can talk through what you have been noticing.
Health concerns, loneliness, pain, poor sleep, and more can add to anxiety. Working with a therapist, doctor, or community support can help.
For some, medication can be a helpful option for treating anxiety. Our providers specialize in proper dosing for aging adults.
CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is one common type of talk therapy that can help people understand anxious thoughts and respond in new ways.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911, call 988 for mental health crises, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Does insurance cover help with anxiety?
Our services support adults whose daily lives are impacted by medical conditions or major life changes. Most people we serve have little to no out-of-pocket costs for our mental health care, caregiver support, and additional care team services. We always check your coverage before your first appointment, so you know what to expect and there are no surprises.
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"Anxiety traps the mind in the future, but grounding techniques pull you back to the present. We equip clients with pragmatic, evidence-based mindfulness and stress-management tools to calm an overactive nervous system and reclaim control in real-time."
Other resources
Want more information? Check out our related resources.
How to talk to your loved one about getting their symptoms evaluated
If you’ve noticed changes in a loved one like irritability, confusion, or just acting out of character, it can be hard to know what to do or how to help. Here are some ways you can get the conversation started with someone you care for.
Anxiety, depression, and sleep changes in older adults
Mental health concerns in older adults are often missed because they do not always look the way people expect. Anxiety, depression, and sleep problems may show up as irritability, physical complaints, confusion, withdrawal, or changes in routine rather than obvious sadness or panic. Recognizing these quieter signs can make a major difference in getting help sooner.
Care and support are only a call away
A simple conversation is all it takes to get things rolling. Call us, and we’ll listen to how you’ve been lately, check your coverage, and get you set up so you can start feeling better soon.