Strokes create challenges for seniors and their caregivers to face together.
A Stroke, and the changes that may come as a result of this health event, can cause meaningful changes in seniors’ lives. Understanding what a Stroke is and what steps you can take to minimize your risk can be important, especially when moving up in age.
Stroke?
A Stroke takes place when a blockage of blood-flow to the brain occurs suddenly, and the impacts that a Stroke has upon the body are largely determined by which areas of the body receive blood from the blocked vessel.
Risk Factors
A Stroke is something that can happen to anyone at any time in their lives, but the risk does significantly increase with greater age (particularly after the age of 55). For this reason, seniors are generally at a higher risk of stroke simply because of their age, but there are also other lifestyle and health related risk factors that seniors should be aware of so that they can modify their lifestyles and tend to their wellbeing in ways that address these potential problems.
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity ( and Poor Diet/Lack of Activity)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High Cholesterol
What are the Signs?
Getting medical attention immediately is essential when it comes to a Stroke. The following are some signs that you can look out for that signal a need for immediate medical attention:
- Droopy Face
- Inability to Raise Both Arms
- Slurred Speech
Because the areas of the body impacted by the Stroke may vary depending on the blood vessel that has the blockage, there is variation in the signs. Should you be at all concerned, always seek medical assistance promptly.
After a Stroke
Much of the treatment that comes after a Stroke is focused on rebuilding and relearning any of the functions that were lost as a result of the Stroke. There are various programs that assist seniors in recovering and meeting the new challenges that they may face following the occurrence of a Stroke.
A Stroke is a major event that can alter how seniors live their daily lives, but being aware of the risk factors, talking to a medical professional about how to lower the likelihood of a Stroke and just generally engaging in self-care that keeps the body healthy can all help in their own ways.
