Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that many seniors experience. It's a serious condition, which is why it is so important to know the health risks associated with it and how to reduce your risk of developing it.
Meditation has been proven to be an effective way to reduce stress and improve one's overall well-being. In this blog post, courtesy of Senior Helpers of Rockland and South Orange Counties, we're going to discuss three ways meditation can help seniors in Middletown, New City, Spring Valley, Nanuet, Orange County, and Rockland County reduce their risk for hypertension.
The Benefits of Meditation for Hypertension
Meditation has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing hypertension. With so many benefits in long-term mental and physical health for adults of all ages, including seniors, it seems as though adopting meditation techniques is a no-brainer. Here are some specific ways meditation can help seniors:
Lower Stress Levels
One important factor in developing hypertension is stress. Long-term stress and anxiety increase your blood pressure and put great strain on both your physical and mental well-being. By practicing mindfulness-based meditations such as yoga or tai chi, you can reduce stress levels associated with hypertension.
Lower Blood Pressure
According to VeryWellHealth, some studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce blood pressure. This combined with other lifestyle modifications can help reduce high blood pressure naturally and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Improved Sleep Quality
Poor sleep quality has been cited as another factor related to the development of hypertension in seniors. Regularly practicing guided meditations before bed will help relax your body and mind, allowing for better sleep quality. Over time, this contributes to healthy blood pressure levels.
How to Get Started With Meditation
If you don't know where to start with meditation, try downloading an app. These apps, which are available on mobile devices, provide simple steps for seniors to follow so that they can learn how to slow their breathing and clear their minds before going to sleep.
If you don't want to be on your phone before bed, consider trying out a series of written meditations. Books on meditation can allow you to gain a better understanding of the benefits of the practice, as well as how you can incorporate meditation better into your daily life.
Senior Helpers Is Committed to Helping Senior Adults Live Healthy Lives
At Senior Helpers of Rockland and South Orange Counties, we understand the importance of proper hypertension prevention and management for seniors. Regular meditation is one way to reduce your risk of developing this very common condition among elderly individuals. We highly suggest that everyone practice regular mindful breathing techniques in order to lower stress levels, improve the quality of sleep, and ultimately reduce their risk for hypertension. If you are interested in learning more about how senior home care from our team can help prevent or manage your blood pressure, contact Senior Helpers today!