According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Taking simple steps can reduce your aging loved one’s risk of stroke. Here are a few ways to lower a senior’s likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
Monitor Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are cardiac risk factors for heart attack and stroke. If your loved one is prescribed medications for hypertension and high cholesterol, make sure he or she takes them as directed.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional Miami home care services. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Get Regular Exercise
If possible, your loved one should aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise five days a week. Walking and swimming are healthy, low-impact exercises for older adults to try. Your loved one might also enjoy senior-friendly exercise dance classes.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of stroke as well as many other detrimental health issues like heart attacks, diabetes, and lung cancer. It’s also a good idea for elderly people to avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible, as it increases stroke risk.
Avoid Heavy Alcohol Consumption
There’s some evidence that heavy drinking increases the risk of strokes. However, it’s also important to keep this tip in mind if your loved one has any medical conditions or is on any medications that interact negatively with alcohol consumption.
Develop Better Eating Habits
Your loved one should quit eating foods that are high in saturated fats, such as cakes and red meat. Instead, encourage eating more vegetables and fruits. Low-fat dairy is fine in moderation. Fish is a good dietary choice, as are whole grains, beans, and nuts. Try to help your loved one commit to a low-sodium diet, as meals high in salt can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke in the elderly.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Miami families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Lose Weight
Being overweight is a major risk factor for stroke, and losing up to five percent of body weight can have a beneficial effect. Always have your loved one consult with a medical professional before attempting to lose weight, as sudden unmonitored weight loss can also be dangerous. Slow and steady is the best way to lose weight. Often, moderate exercise and a change in diet can help a senior lose some weight and lower his or her stroke risk.
From preparing nutritious meals to losing weight, older adults may need help with several tasks. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Miami respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us today.
