Anxiety is a common problem for elderly loved ones and even if your loved one doesn’t have anxiety often, it can strike almost any time. Whether your loved one’s anxious feelings are due to an impending doctor’s appointment or simply anxiety over the future, there are some things that you can do to help her feel better. You may need to try a combination of these activities for the best results.

If you can occupy your loved one’s brain with something besides what’s making her anxious, you might be able to get her some relief. Mental stimulation is always a good thing for your loved one and it’s best to stick with the types of puzzles and games that she already enjoys. Games that she can play on paper, such as crossword puzzles and word searches, are great for home and away. Smartphone games can be helpful in places like waiting rooms at the doctor’s office.

Meditation doesn’t take any special training or elaborate equipment, so it’s an ideal way for you and your loved one to relax and to form a deeper relationship. Try making it a regular activity each day and you and your loved one might both experience longer term benefits than just when she’s a little more anxious or stressed.

Physical activity can do a lot to burn off the anxious feelings that your loved one is experiencing. She doesn’t have to jog around the block, however, unless that is something that she’s already interested in doing. Sometimes just a few gentle stretches are enough to help relieve anxiety. Try incorporating something like walking or swimming into your regular routines to help both of your bodies fight off stress more effectively.

If meditation isn’t your loved one’s cup of tea, maybe simple breathing exercises are the way to go. Breathing slowly, deeply, and mindfully can reduce anxiety levels very quickly, giving your loved one a clearer mind and a lower heart rate. Try practicing deep breathing exercises at home when calm so that they’re easier to do when either of you are stressed or when you’re out and about.

Make sure to ask your loved one’s senior care providers about other tools that can help your loved one to manage her anxiety.