Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects many people. While making dietary changes and taking medication can be helpful for managing it, there are other ways to help manage the condition. Take a look at strategies besides controlling diet and taking medication that can help improve hypertension in seniors.
1. Exercise
Exercise can have positive impacts when it comes to managing hypertension. Regular cardiovascular physical activity can reduce your resting heart rate which leads to overall lower blood pressure. It also helps counterbalance the ill health effects of sedentary time.
Walking and swimming are excellent aerobic activities to do that won’t strain seniors too much. Strength training through light free weights or modified yoga poses can also help strengthen muscles and allow your seniors light exercise.
2. Stress Management
One of the most common contributors to high blood pressure is dealing with chronic stress over extended amounts of time. Learning how to respond rather than react during stressful situations will allow you to stay calmer and keep your blood pressure in check. There are several strategies many seniors can use to help reduce overall stress, including:
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Less time on social media or watching the news
- Making time to unwind
- Engaging in activities to help maintain calm
- Spiritual practices or connecting with faith-based organizations
3. Better Sleep
Quality and consistent sleep will allow your body's natural processes, such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, to stay stable over time. Establishing an environment conducive to good sleep should include making the space dark and quiet with a cool temperature. Also, avoiding any screen time at least 2 hours before bedtime will help you drift off easier.
4. Supplements
Certain supplements have been found to potentially help with managing high blood pressure in seniors specifically:
- Fish Oil – Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body.
- L-arginine – An amino acid naturally found in some foods, like fish and nuts, has been proven to reduce blood pressure.
Hypertension does not always need to be managed solely through diet and medical prescriptions. By utilizing these tactics, many seniors have found that they can decrease hypertension and improve overall health.
Qualified Senior Care Services for Seniors Suffering from Hypertension and More
Often, seniors suffer from high levels of stress as their physical capability declines and they need more assistance with daily activities, including handling home care or personal care tasks. At Senior Helpers Poway, we can help with many of those care tasks, lowering stress levels and, in many cases, helping to improve symptoms of hypertension. Seniors and their family members in Poway, San Diego, and Ramona can contact us for more information about our in-home care services, which may include help with activities of daily living, companionship services, and encouragement related to diet and exercise plans.