How to Manage Stress as You Age

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The golden years are often depicted as a happy, worry-free time, but the reality is that many older adults are dealing with new sources of stress. According to the National Council on Aging, some of the most common causes are:

  • Chronic illness
  • Caregiving responsibilities
  • Loss and grief
  • Feeling of isolation and loneliness
  • Financial worries
  • Major life changes including retirement or moving

CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides older adults with services that support their mental, physical and social health so they can enjoy this time in their life — feeling healthy, happy and stress-free.  

Just Keep Moving!

Physical and mental health go hand in hand. Being active can boost your mood, improve sleep and support overall well-being. At CenterLight PACE, our rehabilitation team works with participants on building and maintaining strength and managing health conditions so they can remain living safely and independently at home. Our PACE Centers also have an open gym that have state-of-the-art equipment available for use. Participants also enjoy dance, yoga, chair exercise and other movement activities offered on site.

Take Time to Relax and Connect with Others

CenterLight PACE Centers have something for everyone, whether it’s rediscovering an old hobby or finding a new passion.Participants enjoy art, crafts, music, gardening, trips, outdoor activities and so much more. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy what you love. Our Therapeutic Recreation team plans activities to suit the needs of participants.

Eat Well to Age Well

Food is fuel and provides many health benefits. CenterLight PACE Centers offer healthy breakfast and lunch options to participants. Our Nutrition Team also works with participants to create individualized meal plans to help them manage chronic diseases.

Prevention is Better Than a Cure

One of the biggest causes of stress for older adults is living with chronic illnesses. It’s more important than ever to keep up with preventive care to identify potential health issues early and prevent them from getting worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition. With all-inclusive care, our medical services are located within our PACE center. Transportation is provided to and from the PACE center or appointments with in-network community providers. For those who can’t travel, home care services are also an option.   

About CenterLight Healthcare PACE

CenterLight’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) aims to provide whole-person care that enriches the lives of participants and helps them live safely in their homes and communities. The care teams at our 11 PACE Centers work side by side to provide knowledgeable, attentive and culturally sensitive care to our members and are fluent in both the languages and customs of our participants.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.

About the Author

This blog post is written by Kim Sodano, LCSW, LNHA, Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

In her own words:

"I became a social worker to make a positive impact toward social change. Being an advocate for individuals and communities while witnessing resilience and transformation is extremely rewarding."


Sources:
Important facts about falls. (2024). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html
Trends in Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults. (2025). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm
Managing Stress. (2025). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html
Stress and How to Reduce It: A Guide for Older Adults. (2025). https://www.ncoa.org/article/stress-and-how-to-reduce-it-a-guide-for-older-adults/

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_Managing Stress
Updated April 20, 2026

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.

H3329 CLPACEWebsite Approved 10222024

Last Updated on April 28, 2026
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