Stress Management Tips for Seniors with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia
When people talk about dyslexia and dyscalculia, they are usually concerned about how they affect people who are in the developmental stages of life, such as children and adolescents. Dyslexia and dyscalculia can make it significantly more difficult for seniors to perform certain activities and live a normal life, resulting in considerable stress and frustration. Here is some useful information on stress management with dyslexia or dyscalculia.
Causes of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in Seniors
Some elderly people may have been living with dyslexia or dyscalculia for their entire lives, while there are others that acquired them through brain-related incidents such as stroke, dementia, or trauma. Stress is one of the contributing factors to stroke and dementia. According to the Internet Stroke Center, 75 percent of all strokes occur in people who are above the age of 65, and the risk of stroke increases over two-fold every decade after 55. Also, the Alzheimer’s Association states that about 10 percent of people aged 65 and above have Alzheimer’s dementia. The prevalence of these conditions among seniors makes them more susceptible to dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Effects of Learning Differences on the Elderly
Depending on the severity, dealing with dyslexia or dyscalculia can be very mentally exhausting and frustrating. The extra effort needed to read or calculate can result in a lot of stress, which can, in turn, worsen the condition or lead to other health problems. Severe dyslexia or dyscalculia can significantly undermine self-dependence and can also have an impact on their social lives, as it can lead to a loss of self-esteem and confidence.
How to Manage Stress to Overcome Dyslexia and Dyscalculia?
Many health problems, both physical and mental, are partly caused by stress. Proper stress management does not only help you overcome difficulties resulting from dyslexia and dyscalculia; it can also reduce their symptoms. One of the most effective ways to deal with stress is to consult a therapist. A good therapist can help you devise a stress management plan to avoid stress triggers and react properly to stress. Joining a support group is another great way to manage stress. In addition, you can start doing some activities that have been proven to be effective in alleviating stress, such as exercise, meditation, and yoga.
Living with dyslexia or dyscalculia as a senior can be stressful. However, you can still live a normal and happy life if you have the necessary discipline and commitment to overcome the challenges that come with learning differences.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! After significant research on the internet Yours is the first sight considering the effects on seniors. Having this regognition alone has erased a large portion of my stress.
I’ve managed to function fairly successfully albit with constant anxiety, until I began having seizures. I was finally diagnosed with a temporal lobe seizures that were covert for decades. 5 years passed before Drs found evidence and put me on effective medication. During that time I felt my functionality deplete and daylexica and dsycalxia escalate.
Re establishing my life and finding employment has been grulling as I expected it would be when I was finally well. Now that I have clarity of thought and functionality I’ve discovered my reading, writing and math skills are not bouncing back.
Seems like I hit a wall when I’m writing anything about myself, resumes, which I know are challenging for everyone are impossible for me. Meltdowns are regular and I find tears streaming when facing the financial emergency of paying for that lost time let alone managing current financial responsibility.
Stress is a companion I constantly try to manage, walking, with proper nutrition and meditation have all been incorporated to most of my days. I am cognizant of the positivity of my progressive plan with a determination that is stellar. Working extra hard and creatively is an advantage of my learning difference have been significant assets during my transition.
Feeling alone and carrying this frustration has been lifted having this platform to blurt. Validation and information provide a relief and a hope that are gratefully appreciated! Wow!
Hi Faye,
Thank you for such a touching story! I can’t tell you how much it means to us that the blog has had such a positive influence on your life : ) If you have any questions please do not hesitate in commenting we would be more than happy to help 🙂 You are an inspiration!
Hi. An additional resource- UCSF is doing a study on aging and dyslexia. They have a center dedicated to it.
I am a Senior and do not have dsylexia however, my closest friend does and has all the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer dementia and lots of anxiety and worry and fear of what is to become of him if he continues to lose his memory in addition of not being able to read/write numbers/letters and adding and subtracting plus reading.
Perhaps I need to find a support group, however, my main goal is to find help for him for today and the future as I do not know what the future brings for him, as he has been resistant to going to a doctor, as I believe an MRI would tell us much more as he may have had a stroke based on what he has described he has experienced
The challenge for me is to find some help for him and myself as I am his only support whom he trusts and helps him the best I can, but it has gotten more stressful for both of us.
Would appreciate any advice on where to start to get the proper help.
I appreciate the blog and glad I found it today…might be a start for us to open some doors for him! Thanks!
Hi Meg, could I ask where you are both living? As it would be best we find a local solution for you both, if you would like to make this information more private please email us at blogs@dybuster.com.
Best,
James
Hi, I have had mild dyslexia since childhood and it has gotten worse as I have aged…seems I
am always typing the end of the word first! Are there any natural medications for persons
like myself? Even recipes, I need to keep checking more…I would even be interested in a
pharmaceutical if it is not a heavy drug….thanks for your advice! Marlene
Hi Marlene,
Unfortunately, there isn’t any medication or cure for dyslexia. That being said it is always worth keeping your brain as healthy as possible especially as you get older, this can include playing brain training games – these could be apps or just simply playing games like card games, chess, scrabble or even playing an instrument. Something that gets the memory going but is quite multisensory. It can be beneficial for cognitive function to ensure that you have enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet – you can get this from flaxseeds and fish or fish oil supplements.
I hope this helps 🙂
Ola, thank you just reading your letter and that someone care enough to say yes it can be o problem helps me reajust to my reactions to my family God Bless You all
My father’s dyslexia is affecting his ability to remember and be organised leaving him unmotivated and in a muddle often getting angry and frustrated when he can not find or work out things. His reading is ok which gives him confidence but his lack organisation causes him daily frustrations and stress also he has fear that he cant be on his own. Any suggestions
Hi Janet, this sounds a bit like me, I completely understand your father’s frustrations! How is he with technology? As the only way, I get through my day is with assistant apps and reminders, I use these through my phone but perhaps a more intuitive way for your father might be through some like an Alexa that he can speak to for reminders and he could use things like apple Airtags to find keys etc.