Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause many health problems, including heart failure, blood clots, vision impairment, kidney disease, and strokes. Caregivers should encourage their senior loved ones to maintain a healthy lifestyle that promotes cardiovascular health. Many seniors require a few simple changes in their diet and daily habits to keep their blood pressure within a healthy range.
1. Stay Active
Seniors should try to get as much exercise as possible as they grow older. Exercising for just 150 minutes a week can boost heart health and increase the overall efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Seniors who have high blood pressure should speak with their doctors about safe exercise options. Your loved one might need to meet with a physical therapist or another specialist to come up with a safe and effective routine.
High blood pressure is one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. 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 elder care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Avoid Tobacco Products
Using products that contain nicotine can immediately increase blood pressure. A few seconds after smoke from a cigarette is inhaled, the central nervous system sends a signal to the body to increase the heart rate. Some of the chemicals in tobacco products can cause swollen and damaged arteries. Slowly reducing the intake of nicotine with patches, creams, or gum is one of the most comfortable ways for seniors to quit tobacco products.
3. Reduce Salt Intake
Even if your loved one isn’t sprinkling salt on every meal, he or she might still not realize how much sodium he or she is eating. Sodium is found in countless food products, and even relatively healthy foods can contain quite a bit of salt. While lowering salt intake might make food taste different for a short time, your loved one’s taste buds will eventually adapt. Celery seed, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all excellent alternatives to salt.
If your loved one is living with a serious health condition such as high blood pressure, consider hiring a professional caregiver to help him or her manage the condition and lead a healthier lifestyle. In Rocklin, 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.
4. Eat a Variety of Fruits & Vegetables
Many different nutritional deficiencies can have an impact on blood pressure, which is why it’s so important to eat a varied diet. If your loved one expresses an interest in trying unique fruits or vegetables in a store, try using them in a new recipe. On average, seniors should have at least five full portions of fruits and vegetables every day. A single portion of produce is about the size of a fist.
5. Manage Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t related to long-term blood pressure problems, but it can cause a temporary spike that might damage your loved one’s organs if he or she is hypertensive. Meditation, art therapy, and social stimulation can help seniors with anxiety. It’s also vital for seniors to get enough sleep so their hormones naturally balance themselves out.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Rocklin, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (916) 226-3737 today.