Strokes are caused by a variety of uncontrollable factors such as age, gender, and family history. However, there are some risk factors that can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices. Here are six ways for seniors to reduce their risk of strokes.
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking causes fatty acids to build up in the carotid artery, which can lead to strokes. The nicotine in cigarettes is equally harmful as it can raise blood pressure and put seniors at risk of strokes. Seniors who want to prevent strokes should quit smoking. There are many effective smoking cessation techniques, ranging from group therapies to nicotine patches.
If your aging loved one needs assistance making healthier lifestyle choices, consider hiring a professional in-home caregiver. Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated home care company, Calgary, AB, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
2. Switch to a Healthy Diet
To prevent strokes, it’s important for seniors to maintain their cardiovascular health. They should make lifestyle choices that lower their blood pressure and cholesterol. Following a healthy diet is one of the easiest ways to boost cardiovascular health. Seniors should avoid foods that are high in fat and replace high-calorie meals with healthy food options such as cruciferous vegetables, fresh fruits, high-fiber carbohydrates, and lean meats.
3. Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of strokes. Seniors can find plenty of ways to get moving, regardless of their mobility levels. Active seniors can join water aerobics classes at the local gym or go for a brisk walk in the park every day. Seniors with limited mobility can try things like chair aerobics.
Older adults who need assistance with exercise or other daily tasks can benefit from professional at-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Calgary seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
There’s nothing wrong with drinking a glass of red wine with dinner. However, heavy drinking can be a risk factor for strokes. Excessive alcohol consumption has tangible effects on the cardiovascular system, ranging from blood vessel hemorrhages to blood clots. To minimize their stroke risk, seniors should try to drink in moderation.
5. Learn About Strokes
Learning about strokes is one of the best ways to prevent them. Seniors should be informed about the warning signs of strokes such as transient ischemic attacks. Knowing what to do in such situations can help seniors control their health.
6. Schedule Regular Checkups
To reduce their stroke risk, seniors should visit their doctors regularly. A doctor can monitor all the factors that put a senior at risk of strokes, prescribe medications to enhance heart-health, offer tips on nutrition, and advise about appropriate fitness regimens.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Calgary seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Families who need help caring for their loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance at 403-301-3777.