How Seniors Can Manage Anxiety Without Leaving Home

If you or a loved one is over 60 and feeling more anxious than usual, you're not alone. According to the CDC, an estimated 20% of adults aged 55 and older experience some form of mental health concern, including anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring disorders.

From health scares to social isolation, life changes can make everyday worries harder to manage.

From health scares to social isolation, the changes that come with age can turn everyday worries into heavier burdens — it's a reminder that emotional well-being deserves just as much care as physical health.

The good news? There are proven ways to ease anxiety without stepping outside your front door.

Anxiety is Hitting Older Adults Harder Than Ever

Anxiety isn’t just for the young. It often hits later in life when emotional, physical, and cognitive stressors combine.

Losing a spouse. Managing chronic illness. Navigating new technology. These pressures can overwhelm even the most resilient among us.

“I never used to feel this anxious,” said Sharon, 71, of Milwaukee.

But after my husband passed and I stopped driving, it just got harder to shake the feeling of unease.

According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 1 in 5 people aged 65 and older experience some form of mental health challenge, often involving anxiety or depression. Many live alone, making it harder to seek or access care.

Recognizing how anxiety shows up in your life is the first step. Feeling restless, having trouble sleeping, losing your appetite, or withdrawing socially may all be signs.

Virtual Therapy Offers Private, At-Home Support

You don’t need to visit a clinic or sit in a waiting room to get help. Virtual therapy gives you access to professional mental health care without leaving your living room. A large number of licensed therapists provide special anxiety treatment online for seniors through video calls, chat, or even phone sessions.

Key advantages of virtual therapy:

• No need to arrange transportation
• Flexible scheduling that fits your routine
• More privacy and comfort at home
• Access to therapists trained in senior care

There is a growing number of older adults using telehealth. CBT and mindfulness therapy are particularly effective when delivered online.

Platforms like Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Medicare-covered telehealth services offer video, phone, and chat-based sessions—often at a lower cost than in-person visits.

Virtual Therapy vs. In-Person Care

Both forms of therapy can be effective, but they offer different experiences.

In many assisted living or long-term care communities, residents can now access private virtual therapy spaces. Staff often help with tech setup, making mental health care more accessible.

Virtual therapy has made a big difference for residents in long-term care facilities dealing with grief and isolation.

When Medication Becomes Part of the Plan

Sometimes, therapy alone isn’t enough. Medication can help regulate brain chemistry and ease anxiety or depression symptoms—especially when they interfere with sleep, appetite, or mood.

Doctors often prescribe SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are two common classes of medications used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions.

Gabapentin may be used off-label by some doctors when traditional treatments are not well-tolerated. If medically appropriate, providers may offer Gabapentin prescription online, allowing patients to order it from online pharmacies with their prescription. All these medications can be ordered from online pharmacies with a prescription.

Common medications for seniors with anxiety or depression include:

“My doctor explained all the options carefully,” said Frank, 74, from Rhode Island.

Once I found the right medication, my anxiety didn’t feel so overwhelming.

Always speak to a doctor or licensed provider before starting any new medication, especially if you're already managing multiple prescriptions.

Be sure that all your doctors know all the medications you are taking. Some doctors tend to overprescribe as well. Reviewing all the meds of older family members with the doctor and the nursing staff at a long-term care facility is a good idea - Warning Signs Your Doctor Overprescribes—and How to Protect Older Loved Ones.

Small Lifestyle Changes That Make a Big Impact

You don’t always need a prescription to start feeling better. A few simple changes in your routine can help manage anxiety day-to-day.

Here are some practical habits that help:

• Stay active: Walk, stretch, or try chair yoga.
• Connect socially: Video call loved ones or join a senior group.
• Practice mindfulness: Try deep breathing, meditation, or calming music.
• Avoid stimulants: Cut down on caffeine and sugar.
• Build a sleep routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.

“I started doing chair yoga on YouTube,” said Josephine, 68, from Phoenix.

Chair yoga helps me clear my head.

How Depression and Anxiety Can Lead to Long-Term Care

Untreated mental health issues don’t just affect your emotions—they can increase your risk of needing long-term care services.

Here’s how anxiety and depression can impact your health:

• Loss of appetite or poor nutrition
• Muscle weakness and balance issues
• Sleep disorders and fatigue
• Memory problems or disorientation
• Increased risk of falls

“When my dad stopped managing his medications and bills, we realized it wasn’t just sadness—it was depression affecting his cognition,” said Emily, 51, of Atlanta.

The National Institute on Aging reports that long-term depression in seniors is linked to faster cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia. That makes early treatment critical—not just for emotional well-being but for maintaining independence.

If emotional distress leads to a need for assisted living or in-home care, you can use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to find quality caregivers and facilities.

If you're a care provider, you can claim your free listing or upgrade to enhance visibility through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

You can explore costs with the average costs in your area by using the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator, a trusted tool that helps you understand the cost of all types of long-term care services today and in the future.

If you or your loved one has Long-Term Care Insurance, the benefits will help pay for the rising cost of extended care services. However, you must purchase an LTC policy when you are in fairly good health, and most people do so between the ages of 47 and 67.

LTC News, with our partnership with Amada Senior Care, will process the LTC Insurance claim at no cost or obligation - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor—Even Virtually

If your anxiety is getting in the way of daily life—disrupting your sleep, appetite, or ability to focus—it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider.

Virtual appointments are especially useful for:

• Seniors with limited mobility
• Homebound individuals
• Those without easy access to transportation

Online doctors can:

• Assess your symptoms
• Recommend therapy or medication
• Provide digital prescriptions
• Refer you to specialists

“My mom started anxiety treatment through an online doctor,” said Paul, 42, of Des Moines.

It helped her feel supported without the stress of leaving the house.

You’re Closer to Peace Than You Think

Anxiety doesn’t need to control your life. Whether you're living at home or in assisted living, there are steps you can take—starting today.

Try one of the following:

• Schedule a virtual therapy session
• Call a loved one
• Try a mindfulness app
• Ask your doctor about treatment options

You’ve made it this far in life. You’ve overcome challenges. And you still deserve peace, connection, and support—right where you are.