Reducing the risk of having a stroke is the first line of defense for seniors, and it can be done by making a few simple lifestyle modifications. Here are a few easy ways aging adults can lower their risk of experiencing strokes.
Control Sleep Patterns
Seven hours of sleep a night is the recommended amount to reduce the chance of a stroke. While we don’t often think of too much sleep as a bad thing, getting more than ten hours a night can put a person in the danger zone and cause a rise in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and excess body fat.
Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the biggest stroke factors because it makes it much more likely for blood vessels to burst. Seniors can lower their blood pressure by cutting back on salt, eating plant-based fats, exercising, and quitting tobacco usage.
If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits that promote overall health, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In Carmichael, at-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet lowers stroke risk by reducing blood sugar, keeping cholesterol low, lowering blood pressure, and preventing obesity. Try to feed your loved one a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. Avoid serving processed foods, fatty foods, or overly salty foods.
Reduce Stress
Research shows people who enjoy relaxed lifestyles are less likely to experience strokes. Staying calm and controlling anxiety by adopting a laid-back attitude can dramatically decrease stress levels. Chronically stressed individuals need to take immediate steps to reduce their risk of having strokes.
Meditate & Do Yoga
Meditation and yoga have been proven to benefit people who are at risk for strokes. Meditation uses deep-breathing techniques, sustained focus, and quiet contemplation to promote relaxation. Yoga is good for the body and mind because it encourages an active lifestyle combined with healthy eating practices and a sense of calm.
Maintaining healthy habits is often easier for older adults when they have the right support. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Listen to the Body
Our bodies are good at telling us what’s happening to them. Migraines, especially ones that cause blind spots or are accompanied by flashes of light, can be stroke indicators for women. Reducing the frequency of migraines may prevent strokes.
Recognize the Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke allows people to get medical assistance quickly. The acronym FAST is used to help people remember the signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 9-1-1.
Seniors can stave off a number of health issues while aging in the comfort of home with the help of professional caregivers. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Carmichael, California, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.