Did you know that more than 795,000 Americans have strokes each year? While there are uncontrollable risk factors for stroke, such as age, gender, race, and family history, there are many things seniors can do to actively lower their overall risk. Here’s some general information on healthy habits every senior should develop for protection against strokes.
Enjoy a Well-Balanced Diet
One of the most important healthy habits seniors should practice is eating a balanced diet. Foods high in saturated fat and sodium should be avoided as much as possible to maintain a healthy heart.
For many seniors, changing dietary habits they’ve been accustomed to for years can be difficult. It’s important to encourage your aging loved one to make small changes, such as limiting sugary sodas or increasing the number of fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal. From there, larger changes can be made, making the transition to healthy eating much easier.
For some aging adults, shopping for groceries and preparing nutritious meals can be challenging. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Stay as Active as Possible
Regular exercise is important throughout an individual’s life, especially as he or she grows older. Regular exercise can prevent weight-related issues, keep blood pressure under control, and promote a healthy heart. It’s important to keep in mind that regular exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous. Taking a walk around the block, climbing the stairs a few times, or even performing a few extra chores can increase heart rate and fitness levels.
A professional caregiver can help your parent exercise safely in the comfort of home. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Clearwater Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Limit Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol consumption should be limited as your loved one gets older. Alcohol is hard on the body at any age, but it becomes even more so with every year that passes. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stroke as well as other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, gout, osteoporosis, and some forms of cancer.
Manage Stress
Stress levels should be kept under control, as excess stress is known to be one of the major triggers for strokes. It’s important to identify possible stressors in your loved one’s life. Perhaps your loved one is concerned about finances, retirement plans, or health issues. Sitting down and discussing options for financial support or long-term home care can provide peace of mind. Also encourage your loved one to remain social. Companionship and regular interaction with friends and family can foster a positive outlook that reduces overall stress.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Clearwater families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (727) 330-7862 today.