Tips for Reducing an Aging Adult’s Risk of Stroke

January 16, 2023

Strokes are among the leading medical issues for older adults. There are various types of strokes, and some are less severe than others. However, a senior should never ignore a brain attack because a minor stroke could be a warning sign of a more serious impending attack. Read on to learn about stroke prevention in the senior years.

Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of strokes. However, there are steps seniors can take to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of this serious condition. High blood pressure can cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain and damage other vessels inside this organ. Bleeding in the brain will be more likely, increasing the odds of a stroke. If your loved one is diagnosed with high blood pressure, he or she may need to take medication to prevent a stroke. Exercise, weight management, healthy eating habits, and avoiding alcoholic beverages can also help blood flow normally.If your busy schedule makes it challenging to closely monitor your loved one’s blood pressure and other health issues, respite care provided at an Edmonton care home could be the ideal solution. Respite care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Butterfly Dreams Respite Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Exercise More

Staying physically active can lower blood pressure and keep excess weight off. Without excess weight, the brain can continue functioning, initiating actions and thoughts, and planning and carrying out tasks. Obesity and diabetes are two causes of strokes, but regular exercise can prevent these conditions.The more physical activity your parent engages in, the lower his or her body mass will be. Add a regular exercise routine to your parent’s weekly schedule based on recommendations from his or her family physician. The objective is to boost your loved one’s overall health, not add strenuous workouts.For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Edmonton, Alberta, Butterfly Dreams Respite Care is a trusted name in respite care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.

Reduce Depression Risk by Lowering Anxiety

Depression can raise the risk of a stroke and lead to other severe medical conditions. Lowering anxiety can reduce the odds. One of the best ways to stave off depression is to stay socially active. Seniors often lack companionship due to the loss of friends, distance from family, or medical conditions that impact their mental and physical health. Enrolling your loved one in social activities, such as arts and crafts, reading groups, or cooking lessons, can increase his or her social interaction and stave off depression. Lowering anxiety levels can also reduce the odds of smoking, excessive eating, and other bad habits associated with strokes.

Learn More about Family History

The odds of a stroke are higher when unhealthy lifestyle habits combine with hereditary conditions. However, knowing more about family history, such as the increased risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension, is crucial. Your parent should find out who in his or her immediate family has had strokes. Learning about hereditary conditions could help your loved one lower his or her risk of a stroke by avoiding bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating unhealthy foods. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for a high-quality convalescent care, Butterfly Dreams Respite Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call us today at 587-800-4822 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.