Older Adults (70+) With FND

A calm, respectful space for older adults living with Functional Neurological Disorder.

This page is for older adults living with symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have been navigating symptoms for years, you deserve calm, clear information and supportive community spaces. Healing Horizons for FND is here to support you gently, respectfully, and without judgment.

FND happens when the brain and body have difficulty sending signals to each other. It is a real neurological condition and it can occur at any age.

In older adults, symptoms may include:

  • tremors or shaking 
  • difficulty walking or sudden weakness 
  • episodes that resemble seizures 
  • speech or voice changes 
  • dizziness or loss of balance 
  • sudden fatigue 
  • cognitive fog or difficulty thinking clearly 
  • sensory changes such as vision, hearing, or touch 

These symptoms can be frightening or frustrating, especially when they appear suddenly or interfere with daily activities. You are not imagining them and you are not causing them. Your symptoms are valid and real.

Our planned programs for older adults are being designed to be gentle, respectful, and easy to follow.

  • flexible and comfortably paced 
  • safe and moderated 
  • camera optional 
  • accessible for rest, mobility supports, and breaks 
  • led by trained volunteers familiar with older adult needs 

You can speak if you want, listen quietly, keep your camera off, change position, or step away at any time. There is no pressure and no expectation. Just understanding.

Planned sessions will follow a predictable and supportive structure.

  • A warm welcome 
  • A gentle grounding moment 
  • An optional check in 
  • A FND friendly coping or self regulation tool 
  • A time to listen, rest, or share 
  • A calm closing moment 

The pace is slower and considerate, allowing everyone to participate comfortably.

Our coping tools for adults ages 70+ are designed to offer calm, practical support for different symptoms, energy levels, and everyday situations.

The activities are gentle, flexible, and easy to adapt. You can choose what feels manageable in the moment, skip anything that does not feel right, and come back to a tool whenever you need it.

To keep everything consistent and easy to find, all coping activities for this age group are included in the Coping Menus for Older Adults (70+).

Many older adults rely on spouses, adult children, or close friends for support. Caring for someone with FND can feel confusing or stressful at times.

Care partners may find additional guidance on the Caregivers & Families page

If symptoms are new, severe, significantly different from your usual FND symptoms, or could be a medical emergency, call 911 or seek urgent medical help. Do not assume new symptoms are caused by FND. If you feel overwhelmed but are not in immediate danger, our Safety, Crisis & Emergency Guidance page provides calm, simple steps for what to do.

A Supportive Message

Growing older with FND can bring unique challenges, including changes in health, energy, and independence, but you do not have to face them alone. Your symptoms are real. Your experience matters.

You deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and patience. Healing Horizons for FND is here to offer steady, respectful support and a space where your voice is valued and your lived experience is honoured.