Senior Blood Pressure: Companion Care at Home Syosset NY
People of all ages need to keep their blood pressure in a good range, but it becomes even more critical with age. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common problem among older people. It can make them more likely to get heart disease, stroke, or other major health problems. Seniors can lower their blood pressure and improve their heart health by changing how they live, following some tips below, and gaining support from their companion care at home team.
Check Blood Pressure Regularly
With companion care at home, seniors can have their blood pressure checked regularly. This will help find any changes or oddities and document them for their next doctor’s visit. This also allows seniors to ask questions about what the blood pressure numbers mean.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to control blood pressure. Seniors should try to eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy items with low fat. Limiting the amount of processed foods, fatty fats, cholesterol, and sodium they eat is essential. For some seniors, transitioning to a healthy diet might be challenging. Thankfully, companion care at home can introduce nutritional meal planning and help them prep unfamiliar foods.
Reduce Sodium
Seniors should try to eat no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. To do this, they need to carefully read food labels, avoid processed and packaged foods, and choose fresh ingredients whenever available. Adding herbs, spices, and other flavorings to their food can help them use less salt. As mentioned above, the best way to help seniors struggling with this change is to add support such as companion care at home.
Create an Exercise Schedule
Regular exercise is vital for seniors to lower their blood pressure. Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, riding, and dancing can help strengthen the heart and improve blood flow. Seniors should aim for at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week at a moderate level or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Loved ones can help seniors look for classes in their community targeted at them. Also, their companion care at home aide can encourage movement throughout the day or even walk with them around the block.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure levels. Seniors should try to drink alcohol in balance, which for women means no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two drinks per day. Where alcohol is concerned, it’s also good to talk with the medical team, as it can interfere with other medical conditions and medication.
Minimize Stress
Long-term stress can lead to high blood pressure. Seniors should learn how to deal with stress by doing deep breathing exercises, meditating, yoga, or hobbies and activities that help them relax.
Stay Refreshed
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep blood pressure healthy. Seniors should try drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily unless a doctor tells them otherwise. This can be difficult as seniors might not feel thirsty. However, with companion care at home, they can be reminded of its importance and encouraged to drink during the day.
If seniors are concerned about their blood pressure or have questions about appropriate care, they need to talk with their medical team. They take the first steps to manage their healthcare needs with support from that team, loved ones, and companion care at home.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home in Syosset, NY please contact the caring staff at Brookville Homecare today. 516-802-7722