As seniors age, the possibility of experiencing a stroke becomes significantly higher. While age is an uncontrollable risk factor for stroke, one of the best ways to prevent strokes among older adults is education. Whether you provide home care for a senior parent or you’re concerned about his or her health, make sure he or she is aware of the controllable risk factors for stroke so you can ensure your loved one strives to follow healthy habits as he or she ages.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust homecare services experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
What Are Some Healthy Habits Seniors Should Follow to Prevent Strokes?
One of the first healthy habits seniors should follow as they age is eating a healthy, balanced diet. Foods high in saturated fat and sodium should be avoided as much as possible to keep the heart healthy.
A healthy diet often goes hand in hand with regular exercise, which is especially important for an aging adult. Exercise prevents weight-related issues such as obesity and diabetes and keeps blood pressure under control.
There are also habits seniors should stop in the golden years, particularly with regard to alcohol and smoking. Alcohol consumption should be limited as an individual gets older. While alcohol is hard on the body at any age, it poses an even greater risk with every year that passes. Smoking has been shown to double the risk of stroke, as it increases clot formation, thickens blood, and increases plaque buildup in the arteries. Seniors should be encouraged to quit as soon as possible.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Huntsville families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
How Can You Encourage Your Loved One to Change Habits?
Education is the first step in changing habits. Explain to your loved one how the healthy habit could affect his or her wellbeing and future quality of life, making the issue more relevant. It’s also important to stress your concerns. It’s not about telling your loved one what to do or having control but about keeping him or her safe and healthy so you can continue to enjoy his or her presence in your life.
Family members should also try to make the transition to healthy habits easier. Remember, it’s not easy to change a lifetime of unhealthy diet and exercise habits. Start out small, do your best to encourage your loved one, and show support along the way. For instance, you can promote proper exercise habits by going on daily walks with your loved one or assisting with meal preparation so he or she has healthy and delicious options. If you’re unable to provide support 24/7, consider hiring a professional caregiver, who can fill in the gaps and assist with daily tasks during the time you’re unable to care for your loved one.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Huntsville, AL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (256) 716-9940 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.