Final answer:
Anxiety in geriatric patients can be attributed to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, such as asthma and coronary heart disease, which impact physiological functioning and are aggravated by stress. A weakened immune response can increase vulnerability to infections, further elevating anxiety. Cognitive factors also contribute by influencing the elderly's ability to manage stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anxiety in geriatric patients can be caused by various issues related to the respiratory and circulatory (resp/circ) model. For instance, the presence of chronic conditions such as asthma and coronary heart disease in older adults can increase anxiety due to the direct impact of these diseases on respiratory and cardiovascular function, as noted in studies by Weiser and Martens et al. Moreover, the fear of asthma-like symptoms can trigger exacerbation, as the psychological expectation of airway obstruction can worsen symptoms (Sodergren & Hyland, 1999).
Anxiety can also arise from weakened immune responses in older adults, as shown in the research by Kiecolt-Glaser et al., where chronic stress altered the immune response to influenza vaccine, potentially leading to increased health anxiety due to a perceived vulnerability to infections or illness. Additionally, cognitive factors play a role in generalized anxiety disorder, as outlined by Aikins and Craske, where the inability to manage minor stress can lead to heightened anxiety states in the elderly, impacting their overall health and wellness. These factors illustrate the complex interactions between psychological and physiological aspects in geriatric anxiety.