How to Prevent Strokes in the Golden Years

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Seniors are at higher risk for strokes compared to other age groups. This is due to various factors, such as the increased risk of conditions like heart disease and a lack of exercise caused by weakened bones and muscles that lead to mobility problems. However, living a healthy lifestyle may keep your elderly loved one in good health and stave off strokes.

Get Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent a stroke because it keeps the heart healthy, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and reduces cholesterol. Encourage your loved one to exercise at least three times per week for 30 minutes. If these sessions are too long and challenging for your parent, try breaking them down into multiple workout routines, such as two 15-minute sessions or three workouts of 10 minutes each. 

The best physical activities for stroke prevention include walking, swimming, and biking. In addition to typical forms of exercise, performing household chores and enjoying outdoor activities like gardening may help your loved one prevent clogged arteries and other issues that could lead to a stroke.

A home caregiver could help your loved one exercise at home in safety and comfort. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers may help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Eat Healthy

Smart eating habits could help your loved one maintain normal blood pressure levels and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. As a result, your parent’s brain cells will get the oxygen they need to function properly. 

When it comes to developing daily diet plans, incorporate foods low in fat and items high in potassium. Some of the healthiest choices include prunes, melons, bananas, oatmeal, onions, flaxseed, low-fat yogurt, and lean meats such as turkey, chicken, and fish. 

Stroke is a serious health concern that may affect a senior’s independence and overall quality of life. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-home care. Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities our caregivers provide to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

Stop Smoking & Drinking Alcohol

These are two of the top causes of strokes in seniors, but there are steps older adults may take to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. For example, your loved one could engage in fun forms of exercise such as dancing, take up a new hobby, and participate in other activities that boost his or her mental and emotional health and lessen the desire to drink or smoke. 

Your parent could also choose to eat healthy snacks instead of smoking. Snacking on healthy foods, such as almonds and raw vegetables, could lower the odds of obesity, which is another risk factor associated with strokes in older adults.

Socialize

Building strong social networks increases brain activity, keeping the mind agile and boosting cognitive function. Lack of socialization may lead to stress and other negative factors that raise the odds of a stroke in the senior years. It’s vital for seniors to remain socially active, whether they incorporate more family outings into their weekly schedules or enroll in community-based programs. The objective is to lower stress levels while staying positively engaged and physically active. 

For families living in Cincinnati, home care service may be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at 513-993-5025 today.