By Princy Bhat-Bhardwja, APRN
As much as we may wish otherwise, the “golden years” are never entirely stress-free. It’s true that seniors often have more time to plan trips, socialize with friends, go to the beach, play golf and tennis, dine out, enjoy hobbies and spend time with family.
However, stress can still be a barrier.
Stress is a reaction to challenging circumstances, and coping is difficult for many seniors. Factors such as unstructured time, possible changes in family relationships, the loss of a spouse, and physical problems with vision, hearing, balance, and mobility all can have an impact. In addition, finding affordable housing, or choosing an independent or assisted living facility can be extremely trying, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
Keeping up with new technology can also be a challenge, as some older adults struggle to use a computer, iPad, iPhone, or other devices. This “technophobia” can lead to isolation, which in turn leads to stress and depression.
Princy Bhat-Bhardwaj is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), at Conviva Pine Island in South Florida. Conviva is a leading provider of primary health care services for seniors, with hundreds of center locations in Florida and Texas. Bhat-Bhardwaj knows stress firsthand. As a teen she became a refugee in her native India following acts of terrorism, and the mental scars remained into adulthood. She now works daily with seniors and says yoga and meditation are tremendous stress relievers for both young and old alike.
“I was always passionate about healthcare, and when I came to America I had the opportunity to go back to school and earn degrees at both Florida Atlantic and Florida International universities,” she said. The nurse practitioner also has certifications in psychology and primary mental health and is passionate about the mental needs and happiness of senior patients. “I know personally how debilitating stress can be, and even though I was outwardly happy, the mental wounds still needed to heal,” said Bhat-Bhardwaj.
Personal Turning Point
During her most challenging times, Bhat-Bhardwaj discovered an online meditation program that offers resources for people to take charge of their body, mind, emotions, and energy and live a more joyful, fulfilling life.
Unique Care
According to Bhat-Bhardwaj, a senior’s mental health is extremely important, and yoga can create an emotional balance, increase energy levels and provide more bliss. “If you really listen to what seniors have to say, their lives are like a book; all you have to do is allow them to open the pages,” she said. “They have so much wisdom, and so there’s so much to learn.”
She says three factors weigh heavily on the minds of most seniors – mortality, a fear of being isolated from family members and ongoing chronic pain. “Older adults need to reduce stress because it’s a major factor in declining health,” said Bhat-Bhardwaj. “Emotionally, older populations are becoming more depressed, especially those dealing with chronic, daily pain.”
Conviva centers, including Conviva Dania Pointe and Conviva West Pines, offer patients chair yoga classes to manage and reduce stress.
How do seniors combat stress? “I advise them to be themselves and take control of their inner feelings, and be true to who you are,” said Bhat-Bhardwaj. “The tools to make that transformation are out there, you just have to look for them.”
ABOUT PRINCY BHAT-BHARDWAJ, APRN
A native of India, Ms. Bhat-Bhardwaj is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Conviva-Pine Island, where she provides personalized, senior-focused care. As an undergraduate, she obtained her Baccalaureate in Nursing from Punjab University in Chandigarh, India. Ms. Bhat-Bhardwaj earned a post-master’s degree in Family Nursing Practice from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She earned a medical degree from the University of Science, Arts and Technology in Montserrat, West Indies, and is a Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing inductee. Ms. Bhat-Bhardwaj is also a member of the American Association of Nurses and the Florida Nurses Association.
ABOUT CONVIVA
Conviva is part of CenterWell, a leading health care services business focused on creating integrated and differentiated experiences that put our patients at the center of everything we do. The result is high quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and most of all, personalized. As the largest provider of senior-focused primary care, one of the leading providers of home health care, and a leading integrated home delivery, specialty, hospice and retail pharmacy, CenterWell is focused on whole health and addressing the physical, emotional and social wellness of our patients. CenterWell and Conviva are part of Humana Inc. Learn more about what we offer at CenterWell.com and ConvivaCareCenters.com.