It is important for seniors to maintain healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of strokes. A stroke can lead to severe brain damage and even death. However, family caregivers can use the following tips to reduce their senior loved one’s risk of strokes.
Serve Less Sodium
When a large amount of sodium gets into the bloodstream, it can reduce your loved one’s ability to remove water and raise his or her blood pressure levels. In addition to eating less sodium, your loved one should consume more fruits and vegetables and stay away from red meats. He or she should also avoid processed foods, which are generally loaded with sodium and other ingredients that cause high blood pressure.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Waterloo, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Encourage Physical Activity
By exercising on a regular basis, your loved one can shed calories and excess pounds. Exercise reduces the risk of developing diabetes, a disease that can cause strokes. Staying physically active can also keep your loved one’s mind and body functioning normally. Some of the exercises he or she can do include aerobics, dancing, walking, bicycling, and yoga.
Discourage Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to strokes. Consuming tobacco products can also raise triglycerides in the body, causing arterial thickening and limiting the flow of blood. When blood flow is inhibited and the brain cannot get sufficient oxygen, a stroke can occur. Help your loved one develop healthy habits that can curb the desire to smoke, such as crafting and exercising. You should also serve healthy snacks whenever your loved one gets the urge to use tobacco products.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional elderly caregiver. Waterloo families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Although a glass of wine per day is good for brain function, seniors can reduce their risk of strokes by avoiding large amounts of alcohol. If possible, older adults should avoid liquor and opt for a glass of wine instead. Too much alcohol consumption can cause atrial fibrillation, which makes the heart beat extremely fast and off-rhythm. Reducing alcohol intake can boost heart health, protect the liver, and lower the risk of strokes.
Manage Stress
Excessive stress is one of the main factors associated with strokes. Stress hormones can increase blood pressure, putting your loved one at a higher risk of a stroke and heart disease. To help your loved one manage stress, encourage him or her to remain socially active with family members and friends. Your loved one can also volunteer with local organizations and charities. Crafting, exercising, and learning new languages or skills can help seniors manage stress and boost their overall quality of life.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Waterloo, ON, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. To hire a professionally trained in-home care expert for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (519) 954-2111 today.