Coping is the way a person manages stress, difficult emotions, or challenging situations. It includes the thoughts and actions used to reduce distress, solve a problem, or adjust to something that cannot be changed.

Common forms include:

Helpful coping is not one fixed method. The best approach depends on whether the stressor can be changed. For example, planning may help with an upcoming exam, while acceptance and support may be more helpful after an uncontrollable loss. Healthy coping skills are part of psychological resilience, described by the American Psychological Association as adapting to difficult life experiences.

For elderly parents, coping means how they manage the emotional and practical challenges that can come with aging, such as illness, reduced independence, loneliness, bereavement, memory changes, financial worries, or needing help from family.

Healthy coping may include:

For adult children, supporting coping means listening without taking over, involving the parent in decisions, reassuring them that needing help is not a failure, and sharing caregiving responsibilities. The National Institute on Aging caregiving guidance emphasizes teamwork and caregiver self-care as well.

Watch for persistent withdrawal, hopelessness, marked anxiety, poor sleep or appetite, confusion, or statements about wanting to die. These can indicate depression, delirium, dementia-related problems, or another medical issue and should be discussed with a clinician promptly.