Quick Answer
Anxiety in adults over 65 often centers on health, falls, memory, money and loss, and it can look like physical symptoms, irritability or avoidance rather than obvious worry. Careful medication choices matter, since older adults are more sensitive to side effects. Therapy, safer medications and help setting up telehealth make treatment accessible.
Understanding anxiety in Adults Over 65
Anxiety in later life is common but often missed. It may be blamed on aging, on medical conditions or on personality. Older adults sometimes describe it in physical terms, like stomach upset, fatigue, dizziness or trouble sleeping, rather than as worry. Common focuses include health, falls, memory, money, the wellbeing of family and the loss of friends or a spouse. Some people start avoiding outings, driving or social events, which leads to isolation. Anxiety can appear for the first time in later life or return after years of calm. Either way, it deserves attention, and treatment works at any age. This guide is part of our full set of New York anxiety guides.
The NYC Health Department‘s 2024 report found adults 65 and older had lower rates of serious psychological distress than younger groups, about 4%, but that doesn’t mean older adults get care easily. Among adults in distress with unmet needs, those 65 and older were much more likely than adults 18 to 24 to cite problems with telehealth as a barrier, 27% compared with 5%. That’s a solvable problem. A family member, caregiver or clinic staff member can help with a first video visit, and many people find it simple after one try. Our guide on anxiety after retirement covers another common late-life transition.
For older New Yorkers, bad weather, stairs and crowded transit can make getting to appointments hard, which is one reason video care helps. The same NYC Health Department report found that about 945,000 adult New Yorkers, or 14%, had an unmet need for mental health treatment in the past year. Secure video visits anywhere in New York can make it easier to start care without a commute or a long search.
Late-life worry and health, medication safety in older adults, and telehealth for seniors are the three priorities this guide covers.
Health worries
Many older adults live with chronic conditions, and health worries can become constant. Every new symptom may trigger fear of the worst. Clear information from your doctors, a written plan for managing conditions and knowing when to call for help can reduce uncertainty. Therapy can help manage health-focused worry without dismissing real concerns. It’s reasonable to take health seriously while not letting worry take over your days. Your psychiatric clinician can coordinate with your other doctors.
Fear of falling
Fear of falling is common in later life, especially after a fall or near fall. It can lead people to limit walking and activity, which weakens muscles and balance and actually raises fall risk. Physical therapy, balance and strength exercises, and home safety changes help address the physical side. Gradually returning to activities, sometimes with support, rebuilds confidence. Anxiety treatment can reduce the fear that keeps people housebound. Staying active is one of the most protective things you can do.
The Bottom Line
Anxiety in Adults Over 65 is common and treatable, and careful care can make daily life feel more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anxiety normal in older adults?
Some worry is part of life at any age, but persistent anxiety isn't a normal part of aging. Late-life anxiety is common and often overlooked, because it may be blamed on health or personality. It can show up as physical symptoms, poor sleep or avoiding activities. Treatment works well at any age. It's worth discussing with a clinician.
Are benzodiazepines safe for older adults?
Benzodiazepines raise the risk of falls, confusion and memory problems in older adults. Many guidelines advise avoiding them when possible in later life. SSRIs and therapy are commonly used instead. If you already take a benzodiazepine, don't stop suddenly, since that can be risky. Your prescriber can discuss a safe plan.
Is it anxiety or early memory loss?
Anxiety can affect concentration and memory, and early cognitive changes can also cause anxiety. Sorting them out takes a careful evaluation, sometimes with memory testing. Treating anxiety often improves concentration. If memory problems persist after anxiety improves, further evaluation is needed. Knowing what's happening reduces fear either way.
How can I get help with telehealth as an older adult?
Many older adults find video visits simple after one try, especially with a little help at first. A family member, caregiver or clinic staff member can help set up the first visit. A phone or tablet with a camera usually works well. Choose a quiet, well-lit spot for visits. A relative can join if you'd like support.
What treatment works for late-life anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy works well for older adults and can be adapted to health concerns and life changes. SSRIs are commonly used, started at low doses and increased slowly. A full medication review helps avoid interactions and side effects. Staying active and connected supports treatment. Your clinician can coordinate with your other doctors.
Can older adults get anxiety care by video in New York?
Yes, evaluations and follow-ups happen by secure video anywhere in New York, which saves travel in bad weather or on crowded transit. You need to be physically in New York during each visit. A relative or caregiver can join if you'd like. Confirm Medicare or your New York plan with the office. Prescriptions go electronically to your pharmacy.
Key Takeaways
- Late-life anxiety is common and often overlooked.
- It can show up as physical complaints, sleep problems or avoiding activities.
- Benzodiazepines raise fall and confusion risks in older adults.
- In NYC, older adults with unmet needs more often cited telehealth problems as a barrier.
Anxiety in Adults Over 65 at a glance
| Sign | Approach |
|---|---|
| Constant health worries | Coordinate with primary care, clear information |
| Fear of falling | Balance and strength work, home safety |
| Avoiding outings | Gradual return to activities |
| Poor sleep | Sleep routines, review medications |
| Memory worries | Evaluation to separate anxiety from cognitive change |
Medication safety
Older adults are more sensitive to medication side effects, and many already take several medications. Doses usually start lower and increase more slowly. SSRIs are commonly used for late-life anxiety, with attention to sodium levels, bleeding risk and interactions. Benzodiazepines raise the risk of falls, confusion and memory problems in older adults, and many guidelines advise avoiding them when possible. Sedating medications like some sleep aids carry similar concerns. A full medication review, including over-the-counter products, is an important first step. Your prescriber can coordinate with your primary care doctor.
Anxiety or memory change?
Anxiety can affect concentration and memory at any age, and in later life that can raise fear of dementia. At the same time, early cognitive changes can bring anxiety, as people sense something is different. Sorting these out takes a careful evaluation, sometimes with memory testing or input from a primary care doctor or neurologist. Treating anxiety often improves concentration. If memory problems persist or worsen after anxiety improves, further evaluation is needed. Knowing what’s happening reduces fear either way. Our guides on anxiety after retirement and anxiety with heart disease cover related topics.
Older adult anxiety care for New York patients
Video visits save travel in bad weather and on crowded transit, and a relative can join if you’d like. Visits run by secure video anywhere in New York, while you’re physically in the state. The practice is in-network with Aetna and Cigna; confirm your New York plan with the office, and see self-pay fees on the Good Faith Estimate page.
Isolation and connection
Loss of friends, a spouse or regular routines can leave older adults more isolated, and isolation feeds anxiety. Senior centers, faith communities, volunteering, classes and regular calls or video chats with family help. Even small, regular social contacts make a difference. For people who find leaving home hard, bringing connection in, such as visits or phone groups, can be a bridge. Treating anxiety often makes it easier to reconnect. Connection is part of health at every age.
When to seek help
Seek help if worry is present most days, anxiety is keeping you from activities you used to enjoy, sleep is poor for weeks, or you’re relying on alcohol or sleep aids. New physical symptoms should be checked by a doctor too. Thoughts of suicide need immediate help through 988, which is available around the clock. Families who notice changes in a loved one can help them start the conversation. Anxiety in later life is treatable, and it’s never too late to feel better.
Where to go from here
- Right now, if you're not safe
- Call or text 988, or call 911.
- If you'd like an evaluation
- See how scheduling and telehealth work on the new patient page.
- If you want to keep reading
- Return to our New York anxiety guide for more guides. For more help preparing and finding care, see NIMH’s tips for talking with your health care provider and FindTreatment.gov.
How We Reviewed This Page
Written by Steven Lockhart of Health Marketing Group and clinically reviewed by Gabriella I. Farkas, MD PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist. Clinical information comes from the sources listed below, and the page is reviewed every 180 days or when guidance changes.
What’s new: September 29, 2026. Page published.
References
- NYC Health Department. The State of Mental Health of New Yorkers (2024). https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/mh/state-of-mental-health-new-yorkers.pdf
- National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/
- Tips for talking with your health care provider. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider
- FindTreatment.gov. https://findtreatment.gov/