Hypnotherapy for over 55
the winter years
Hypnotherapy can be incredibly beneficial for individuals over the age of 55, offering a number of advantages that can greatly improve overall well-being. Below covers a number of applications that impact us in our winter years
Chronic Pain: One such advantage is its effectiveness in managing chronic pain. Through the use of relaxation and visualisation, hypnotherapy techniques provide older adults with invaluable tools to cope with chronic pain conditions. By reducing discomfort and promoting an enhanced sense of well-being, these techniques can significantly improve your quality of life.
Anxiety & Stress: As we age, you may find yourself grappling with increased levels of anxiety and stress. This could be due to a variety of factors, including health concerns or major life transitions. Hypnotherapy offers effective ways to address these feelings and promote relaxation. By guiding you into a state of deep relaxation, hypnotherapy helps alleviate anxiety and stress, allowing you to achieve a greater sense of calmness and peace.
Sleep: Evidence points to the positive effects on sleep quality among older adults through hypnosis. Many elderly individuals struggle with sleep disturbances or insomnia, which can greatly impact overall well-being. Hypnosis aids in combatting this issue by creating a state of deep relaxation that enables better sleep patterns and enhances improved sleep hygiene. Poor sleep patterns can also be a symptom of pain or anxiety – so we look at addressing the core of the issue as part of the treatment plan.
Memory Decline: Age-related memory decline is common as we get older. Fortunately, hypnotherapy has shown promise in enhancing memory functions by accessing subconscious processes that aid in boosting cognitive abilities. By tapping into these hidden cognitive reserves through hypnosis, older adults may experience improvements in their memory recall ability. I break down the benefits further at the end of this Fact Sheet.
Confidence: Events such as illness or falls can affect your confidence – particularly as you get older. This can trigger a cycle that prevents you from doing things, and even leaving the house, which can cause heightened anxiety and stress. Hypnosis can help you overcome your fears and lack of confidence so you can get back to enjoying life.
In addition to its benefits on physical and mental well-being, hypnotherapy can also be help address habits that are often challenging to overcome. For example, it has proven to help with smoking or weight management by addressing underlying factors that contribute to these habits. By working on the subconscious level, hypnotherapy helps individuals break free from ingrained patterns and develop healthier processes.
If you choose to explore hypnotherapy, it’s always important to note that it might not be the right fit for you and should not be considered without consulting your GP or medical practitioner first.
Source: Can Hypnosis Improve Your Sleep? | BetterSleep. (n.d.). Can Hypnosis Improve Your Sleep? | BetterSleep. https://www.bettersleep.com/blog/can-hypnosis-improve-your-sleep/
Hypnotherapy and dementia
One scientist at the University of Liverpool looked at the impact hypnotherapy had on dementia patients as compared to other treatments. He saw improvement in the following areas:
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Concentration on daily tasks, which saw an improvement in independence
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Relaxation therefore reducing anxiety related to memory loss
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Motivation, counteracting the likelihood of depression setting in
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Staying active as a result of improved concentration and improved uptake on daily activities
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Short-term memory retention
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Improved memory of significant life events
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Better socialisation, thereby avoiding the cycle created by self-isolation and depression
Overall, he found those patients using hypnotherapy showed a "real improvement" whereas those following 'treatment as usual' reported a small decline.
The early days after diagnosis can be particularly difficult for people - as they understand the prognosis, but it can lead to depression and anxiety, exacerbating the condition. As with most treatments, early intervention can make a difference.
Source: Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Can Reduce Dementia. (2001, July 18). Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Can Reduce Dementia. https://www.wellness-institute.org/blog/hypnosis-and-hypnotherapy-can-reduce-dementia