Anyone can have a stroke. But, statistically strokes are more common in people who are over the age of 60. And the risk of having a stroke increases every year for seniors. One of the scariest things about strokes is that often they happen very quickly with no warning. Any senior who feels like they might be having a stroke should not wait to get help. Senior home care providers can be there when you can’t, ensuring that they won’t be alone if an emergency arises.

There’s no foolproof way to prevent strokes, but there are things that seniors can do to lower their risk of having one like:

Get Help For High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most significant risk factor for strokes. Seniors should monitor their blood pressure regularly and work with their healthcare provider to keep it within a healthy range. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, reducing sodium intake, and staying physically active, can help manage hypertension.

Quit Smoking Right Now

There are many reasons why seniors should not smoke. Smoking significantly increases the risk of stroke. Seniors who smoke should consider quitting to improve their overall health and reduce stroke risk. Quitting isn’t easy, but there is help available. Medications, over the counter products like nicotine gum, and smoking cessation programs are all good options for seniors that want to quit smoking.

Eat A Healthy Diet

A heart-healthy diet can also contribute to stroke prevention. Seniors who want to eat better should focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can help improve heart health and reduce stroke risk. Senior home care will prepare healthy, satisfying meals that can help improve a senior’s overall diet.

Exercise Daily

Regular exercise can help seniors maintain a healthy weight, manage blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. Engaging in activities such as walking, swimming, or tai chi for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can be beneficial.

Get Diabetes Under Control

Seniors with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their blood sugar levels effectively. Controlling diabetes is essential for stroke prevention, as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time.

Get Cholesterol Levels Checked And Work On Improving Good Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. Seniors should have their cholesterol levels checked regularly and take steps to manage them through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication. Medication and lifestyle choices like a healthy diet can significantly lower bad cholesterol and decrease the risk of stroke.

Cut Back On Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke. Drinking moderately doesn’t mean that seniors can’t have alcohol. But it does mean that seniors should only drink one glass of wine instead of three or have two beers on a Saturday night instead of six. Moderate drinking is fine for most seniors.

Lose Weight

Obesity is associated with several stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Seniors should strive to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/age-range-for-stroke

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Eastland, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 325-430-0151.

Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in McCulloch County, San Saba County, Mills County, Hamilton County, Runnels County, Coleman County, Brown County, Comanche County, Eastland County, Callahan County, Palo Pinto County, Stephens County, Shackleford County, Jack County, Young County, Throckmorton County, Concho County, Archer County, Clay County, Wilbarger County, and Wichita County in Texas.

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Clear Path Home Care Staff

Staff at Clear Path Home Care

Clear Path Home Care offers a unique Total Care Management system to optimize each client’s happiness and wellbeing utilizing our carefully vetted Senior Advisory team. We provide coordination between families and all aspects of elder care needs, which may include Home Health, Hospice, Physicians, Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, or Assisted Living Facilities. Personal care consists of help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and transferring.

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