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3 Tips for Stroke Prevention in Seniors

The potential for health issues increases as we age, and seniors are among the most at risk for experiencing a stroke.

The potential for health issues increases as we age, and seniors are among the most at risk for experiencing a stroke. For this reason, seniors should be well aware of any tips for stroke prevention that are available. There are ways that they can help themselves or enlist the help of friends and family to live a healthier life. Residents of senior communities like Solterra Senior Living have even more options, such as a variety of resources and amenities to keep both their bodies and minds as healthy as possible.
Here are a few stroke prevention tips for seniors that can be useful to know.

1. Maintain Good Mental Health

Aging can come with a lot of unforeseen issues, and poor mental health is one that can sneak up on you. Stress from having to move, losing loved ones, and changes in physical capabilities can take their toll on even the strongest people. Those high stress levels can have a negative impact on the heart and can increase the chances of suffering from a stroke. This is why it’s important to maintain good mental health as you age.
Mental health can be improved by staying active in your community and partaking in social events or practicing stress management techniques. Solterra supports a variety of activity programs in each community that address the social, cultural, and recreational needs of the residents. They allow residents a chance to learn new things while engaging with their neighbors. Seniors can also practice good mental health habits alone by engaging in solitary activities like puzzles, taking part in regular hobbies, and practicing stress management with activities such as yoga or meditating.

2. Stay Physically Active

Staying active could play a key role in stroke prevention for seniors, and there are a wide variety of ways to accomplish this when you live in a senior living community. One way is to join physical activity programs. The Surgeon General recommends 2.5 hours of physical activity a week for adults, which averages to about 30 minutes per weekday.
This is extremely manageable when you live at Solterra Senior Living and take advantage of the on-site wellness center. Our wellness and therapy centers are available to residents to use as needed and are great for getting in some daily exercise. Another way to stay physically active each day is to start a daily walking routine. Solterra boasts numerous scenic paths and courtyards that are perfect for walking around on your own or with friends.

3. Improve Eating Habits

Your eating habits can play a big part in your overall health as well as your likelihood of experiencing a stroke. This is why seniors should be taking extra care of themselves through healthy eating habits. A heart-healthy diet includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables each day and avoids things like trans fats, saturated fats, or added sodium.
While these tips sound easy in theory, healthy eating can be difficult for many seniors. Preparing these meals each day can be a hassle, which is why so many seniors living on their own choose prepackaged meals more often, despite their unhealthy nature. An easier and healthier dining experience is one of the many benefits of living in a senior living community. Restaurant-style dining three times a day is available to any resident living at Solterra. These chef-prepared options are delicious and health-conscious to ensure that all residents are well nourished for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.