PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MANIFESTATION OF STRESS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR

Abstract

The article is devoted to the review of the psychological features of the manifestation of stress in the elderly in the conditions of war. In the conditions of war, there is a constant influence of various stress factors on people’s lives, which is especially dangerous for the elderly. Elderly people are characterized by a number of psychological characteristics, in particular: lower self-esteem, self-doubt, dissatisfaction with themselves; fear of loneliness, death, helplessness; gloom, irritability, pessimism; decreased interest in new things; uncertainty about the future. Collectively, the above leads to the formation of unstable behavior, a tendency to irritation, anxiety and fear. In the conditions of war, these feelings are actualized and act as stress factors for the elderly. War and constant stress can aggravate chronic diseases and even cause new ones. The body of the elderly reacts more quickly to long-term stress with a feeling of exhaustion, constant fatigue and a decrease in energy. Loneliness and helplessness before the situation often lead to depression. It is difficult for older people to adapt to new conditions and find hope in situations of uncertainty. Stress can lead to temporary cognitive impairment, such as forgetfulness or inability to concentrate. Elderly people can feel disoriented and lose track of time, which is exacerbated by war, especially when they lose their familiar environment. Due to fear and anxiety, many older people may avoid even minimal communication to avoid additional emotional stress. With age, the ability to independently cope with stress decreases, and older people are more likely to need help, becoming dependent on the support of loved ones or caregivers. It was found that the psychological features of the manifestation of stress by the elderly include: the severity of anxious experiences, stressful feelings in somatic, behavioral and emotional circumstances; increase in the level of psychological stress; decrease in the level of vitality and the ability to rely on one’s own life experience; lack of confidence in one’s own ability to cope with stress and loss of motivation to reduceit.