Managing your loved one’s blood pressure levels can be challenging or stressful. Whether it is by taking medication or following the physician’s recommended treatment plan, many lifestyle changes need to take place in order to improve health.
This can seem overwhelming but there are actually many simple and natural ways for older adults to lower blood pressure. Read on for more information.
Ways to Lower Blood Pressure #1 – Go for Walks
Choosing to remain active is crucial for good health, and it can also help to lower blood pressure. It does not require breaking a sweat by speed walking around the block, just taking a few extra steps during a leisurely walk can produce positive changes in your loved one’s health.
Even if your loved one has mobility issues or other kinds of health challenges, there are still ways to stay active. Whether your loved one chooses to work with a walker, treadmill, or explore other forms of exercise like chair yoga, simply choosing to move more every day will help with blood pressure levels.
Ways to Lower Blood Pressure #2 – Reduce Sodium Intake
Sodium, or salt, has been connected to high blood pressure in many research studies. In fact, having excessive amounts of salt in our diet is a risk factor for many common health issues. This is a problem for older adults in particular as it might be their way of overcompensating for a lowered sense of taste. However, taking in more salt is not the only solution. Trying to substitute the salt shaker with flavorful herbs and fresh produce is a good way to prevent raising blood pressure.
Ways to Lower Blood Pressure #3 – Improve Stress Management Techniques
In many cartoons, a common motif is to have boiling blood when the character is stressed or angry. Similarly in humans, being stressed or constantly experiencing intense negative emotions can increase blood pressure.
Stress is unavoidable, but the ways that your loved ones cope with it can change. By adopting stress management techniques to what calms them down best, both their mental and physical health will benefit from this change.
Ways to Lower Blood Pressure #4 – Increase Consumption of Berries
Many berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are amazing sources of a plant compound called polyphenol. This substance is well known for being able to improve heart health amongst other health benefits.
Get the Best Senior Living with Discovery Village At Stuart
For many older adults and their loved ones, coping with chronic diseases can be something that brings about a lot of stress and frustration. One of the best ways to cope with this is by engaging professional assistance – either by applying for a placement in senior assisted living communities or by engaging other forms of senior care.
Not only is skilled medical care provided in a senior living community, but there are also exclusive senior living programs that fill every day with interesting and fun activities.
For more information on the different living options that we have or the programs that we offer, contact us today!
