Strokes don’t necessarily occur at random, and there are several risk factors involved. Here are a few ways seniors can minimize their risk of strokes.
1. Eat Healthier
People who don’t follow a healthy diet are more likely to have a stroke. To lower their risk of stroke, seniors should reduce their intake of cholesterol and saturated fats and avoid red meat, butter, and fried dishes. They should also limit their sodium intake and consume more poultry, fish, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and nuts.
Some aging adults need a bit of assistance when they’re trying to adopt healthier habits. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive around-the-clock homecare services. Seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
2. Get Treated for Atrial Fibrillation
Strokes are sometimes caused by atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular heart rate. Atrial fibrillation can often lead to inadequate blood flow and blood clots, which are linked to strokes. Seniors with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which causes frequent heart rate irregularity, may need constant treatment and care.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Northern Kentucky home care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of around-the-clock caregivers, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
3. Drink Less Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol can raise blood pressure levels, which increases the risk of stroke. To reduce the risk, men above the age of 65 shouldn’t drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day, and women should drink no more than one. One drink is equivalent to 1.5 ounces of liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer.
4. Manage Diabetes
Seniors with diabetes are four times more likely to have strokes than those without diabetes. To prevent strokes, seniors with diabetes need to monitor their cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as they’re also important contributing factors.
People with type 1 diabetes need to monitor their insulin and blood sugar levels, and those with type 2 diabetes should stick to doctor-approved diet and exercise plans. Seniors may also require medications for diabetes treatment. They should also talk to their doctors about their stroke risk and any preventative measures required.
5. Stop Smoking
Smoking can make your loved one susceptible to stroke because it decreases arterial health, increases the risk of clot formation, and thickens the blood. Seniors who smoke should quit if they want to minimize their risk of stroke.
Quitting cigarettes can be difficult for seniors, since many of them have been smoking for decades. However, there are many support systems that can help them give up smoking. Your loved one can join support groups, go to individual counseling sessions, and seek help from sympathetic friends and family members. Your parent can also use nicotine patches and other smoking cessation aids.
Some aging adults may need help making lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiac issues. In Northern Kentucky, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Call today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
