Aging makes it increasingly vital to take care of one’s health, and one of the most important aspects is keeping blood pressure under control. The good news is that there are several lifestyle modifications and habits that can help lower blood pressure without resorting to medicine. High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a prevalent problem among seniors. In this blog, we will discuss a variety of strategies that the senior home care team might implement with the older generation in mind in order to promote heart health and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
It All Starts With Physical Activity
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is essential to engage in regular physical exercise. This is because physical activity has a key role in the regulation of blood pressure. On a weekly basis, seniors should strive to do at least 150 minutes of exercise at a moderate level. An improvement in cardiovascular health and a reduction in blood pressure can be achieved by participating in activities such as walking, swimming, and mild aerobics.
While this sounds like an easy fix, for seniors who have been sedentary most of their lives, increasing physical activity at this point might be overwhelming. This is where the senior home care team comes in. An aide can encourage seniors to move a little more each day until they are used to, and even enjoy, the additional activity.
Incorporate Healthy Food Choices
Diet is an important factor in the regulation of blood pressure. A diet that is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be the primary focus of senior citizens. It is also crucial to reduce the amount of sodium that seniors consume, as an excessive amount of salt can contribute to high blood pressure.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is easier with the first two tips well under control. Through a mix of a well-balanced diet and consistent physical activity, seniors should make it their goal to achieve and keep a healthy weight. Even a slight reduction in body weight can have a substantial effect on blood pressure levels.
Manage Stress
Managing stress is important since extended periods of stress can be a factor in high blood pressure. Exercises that involve deep breathing, meditation, or moderate yoga are all examples of stress-reduction approaches that seniors should investigate. The cultivation of social connections, the discovery of enjoyable activities, and the spending of time in natural settings are all factors that can contribute to general well-being.
Regular Monitoring
Again, this is where the senior home care team can shine. It is essential for seniors to get their blood pressure monitored on a regular basis. Not only can the home care team assist with this, but they can also answer any questions seniors have about their blood pressure, which helps them better understand their health in general. Keeping track of blood pressure also enables quick intervention and modifications to be made to lifestyle changes.
It is essential for seniors who are interested in maintaining their health and well-being to take preventative measures to manage their blood pressure in a natural way. The home care team can empower seniors to decrease their blood pressure and have a healthier, more vibrant life without the need for medication by introducing the above tips and tactics into their everyday lives.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Carlsbad, CA please contact the caring staff at A Passion for Care today. Call (858) 798-5005
A Passion for Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Point Loma, and surrounding areas.
Making the transition to a completely new industry brought the opportunity to learn and grow, which continues still today. Pat studied Gerontology in San Diego State University’s certificate program and became licensed as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), a Home Health Aide (HHA), and completed the California Certification Program for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCCFE) as a Certified Administrator. She presented workshops at Aging in America Conference four years in a row and served as Chair of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council 2019-2020 and was the education board member for several years. More recently, Pat became a Certified Senior Advisor and was a San Diego Business Journal “50 over 50 2022 Women of Influence Honoree”.
Pat and her husband Roland have lived outside San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley for over three decades. She has two children who are grown professionals and three grandchildren. Pat enjoys traveling to, and visits from, family and friends throughout the year. While at home in San Pasqual Valley, she and Roland enjoy peaceful views and exploring the surrounding valleys.
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