Health Anxiety in Older Adults

As we get older, paying attention to our health is not only normal and necessary, it’s also smart to do. Some real aches and pains should be taken seriously. 

But it’s important to understand the line between being careful about taking medications and going to checkups, and being consumed by your symptoms. That line is crossed when worry takes over your daily life, like losing sleep over a headache or when every new symptom is assumed to be cancer. 

Health anxiety is not an inevitable part of getting older. It’s also not a personal failure. This article will cover why health anxiety can show up later in life and what you or your loved one can do to reclaim peace of mind so the rest of your life isn’t spent in a waiting room.

Key takeaways

• Health anxiety is about worry and fear, not age-related symptoms themselves. 
• Frequent medical visits for the same concern, repeat tests, and constantly seeking reassurance about health are signs of health anxiety.
• Manage health anxiety by using practical strategies to decrease worries and get professional support.

Understanding health anxiety in seniors

Health anxiety is also known as illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria). It means you have a persistent fear of having a serious illness, even when medical tests are normal or reassuring. 

But noticing real changes in your body doesn’t automatically mean you have health anxiety. Aging does bring fatigue, aches, and pains. It’s not the aging process itself that defines health anxiety—it’s the inability to function in day-to-day life due to intense and persistent worries about your health. 

Often, health anxiety occurs with other mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or depression. Health anxiety can also create a vicious cycle where anxiety causes physical symptoms like a racing heart or stomach issues, which the senior interprets as a heart attack, which then causes more anxiety. 

Why does health anxiety spike in later life?

Fears about health are common in seniors, given that there can be an increase in health problems, falls, and the loss of friends and family members. Seniors with a history of actual serious illness, like cancer or heart attack—or watching a partner suffer—are at a higher risk for hyper-vigilance.

A relatively new phenomenon known as “cyberchondria” can also contribute to a rise in health anxiety later in life. Cyberchondria is using the internet excessively for research on health-related topics. The internet allows easy access for older adults to search for every symptom, which can often lead to worst-case scenarios. Access to apps to view raw test results through patient portals without a doctor’s interpretation and context can also fuel worry and panic.  

Retirement can leave older adults with more time to ruminate. Without the distraction of work, focus may shift more to the body—or rather, noticing every sensation. 

Warning signs that worrying about health is a problem

Some behavioral red flags that could be a sign that health anxiety is a concern include:

• “Doctor shopping,” which means seeing multiple providers for the same concern. Or going the opposite way and avoiding doctors for fear of bad news. 
• Obsessively checking blood pressure or pulse.
• Increased sensitivity and focus on bodily sensations like headaches, racing heart, and stomachaches. 
• Social withdrawal, of the fear or “catching something” or the embarrassment of their anxiety, leading to isolation. 
• Asking loved ones multiple times a day questions like, “Do I look OK?” or “Does this spot seem strange?”

Untreated health anxiety can even increase the physical risk for you or your loved one. When symptoms are raised too often, medical professionals may dismiss a future real emergency as “just anxiety.” 

Coping strategies for senior health anxiety

There are ways you can help an older loved one cope with health anxiety, such as:

• Limiting time with “Doctor Google.” Decide on clear rules around health research. For example, only look up symptoms if a family member is with you. Less googling means fewer catastrophic thoughts. 
• Scheduling worry time. This is a proven cognitive behavioral technique where you’re allowed 15 minutes a day to worry, then you must hold off on health worries until the next day.
• Socializing more often. Loneliness can create rumination. Reengaging in hobbies can force the brain to focus outward, rather than inward. Volunteer, join a book club or nature club, or visit a senior center for regular engagement. 
• Practice mindfulness that helps distinguish between what is happening now versus “what if.” This helps separate fact from fear. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment. If you notice you have a headache, pause there and avoid leaping to “It must be a tumor.” Bring your attention back to what is happening right now. 

How therapy helps with illness anxiety in seniors

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps you recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. For someone with health anxiety, this often means addressing and stopping certain habits like constantly checking your body for signs of pain or illness, and learning how to respond differently to those thoughts. 

CBT also teaches what normal body sensations feel like, and how they can naturally change from day to day, so everyday aches and pains don’t automatically trigger fear. Some older adults worry about stigma; words like “hypochondriac” can feel shameful or dismissive. But therapy takes a different approach. It validates your fears as real and offers tools to manage them, even when a serious illness isn’t present. 

For seniors, access matters. Medicare covers mental health services for anxiety disorders, including illness anxiety, and most of our Medicare patients have a $0 copay. Phone or virtual therapy can also be a comfortable option for those with mobility challenges, transportation concerns, or worries about exposure to germs.

At Sailor Health, we understand how health anxiety can affect daily life as you get older, and how important it is to feel heard, supported, and safe. Our older, experienced providers work with seniors to provide accessible, compassionate therapy designed to help you age with confidence. Get started today to take the next step in caring for your mental health.

Senior health anxiety FAQ

These are common questions seniors and caregivers ask when health worries start to feel overwhelming.

Is health anxiety a sign of dementia?

No, health anxiety isn’t a sign of dementia, but it can happen to people who already have dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Health anxiety is about worry and fear, while dementia is a decline in cognition and memory. 

Can health anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes. Anxiety can cause fast breathing or heartbeat, dizziness, pain, and nausea. The symptoms are real, even if the cause is anxiety.

How can I best help an elderly parent who has health anxiety?

Offer assurance in a calm tone, without arguing. Encourage your parent to have consistent care with one healthcare provider. Support them in seeking out therapy. Respond with support, but don’t get pulled into repeated reassurance.  

Does health anxiety get worse with age? 

Not necessarily. Health anxiety can get worse with older age due to illness, stress, and the death of a spouse or after a serious health event. But with the right tools and support, older adults can get relief from worries and fears. 

References

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