Stroke Prevention at MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins

Aug 22, Alissa Sauer

MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins senior living takes every opportunity to educate residents and families about senior health. Because strokes are prevalent in seniors and because the minutes and hours after stroke symptoms appear are crucial to recovery, it is important to recognize the signs of a stroke and know what to do if someone around you starts experiencing them. Learn more about stroke awareness and holistic living at MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms in Seniors

Nearly 75 percent of strokes occur in people 65 years old or older, and the risk of stroke doubles every decade after 55. Suffering from a stroke is a leading cause of disability among seniors and recognizing a stroke and obtaining care is crucial to stroke recovery. Every minute the brain is deprived of blood flow is dangerous, so early treatment can minimize brain damage from a stroke and increase long-term recovery changes.

Stroke symptoms can come on quickly, and while not everybody will experience the same symptoms, generally speaking, seniors will experience the following symptoms (F.A.S.T.) during a stroke.

F is for face drooping

Is the person experiencing numbness in their face? Is one side of the face drooping? When they smile, is the smile uneven?

A is for arm weakness

Ask the potential stroke victim to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or numb?

S is for speech difficulty

Is their speech slurring?

T is time to call 911

If you see someone experiencing any of the above symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Other stroke symptoms may include sudden numbness, confusion, blurred vision, trouble walking, or a severe headache with no known cause.

Stroke Prevention for Seniors

The best way to prevent a stroke is through healthy lifestyle choices. The following lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of stroke for seniors.

Choose healthy food and drinks

Healthy snacks and meal options like fresh fruit and vegetables can lower your blood pressure, which lowers your risk for a stroke. Focusing on foods low in saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol can help keep seniors healthy, avoid chronic illness, and reduce the risk of stroke. Residents at MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins enjoy access to chef-prepared meals made from scratch every day. Our kitchen staff curates balanced meals that are nutritious and delicious and promote senior wellness.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of stroke. By eating healthy and moving regularly, seniors can maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) that reduces stress on the body and reduces the risk of a stroke.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity and a nutrient-dense diet can help seniors maintain a healthy weight. Our PrimeFit Wellness signature program offers physical fitness opportunities through our personal trainer, group fitness classes, and walking clubs.

Avoid smoking

Smoking cigarettes greatly increases the chance of stroke. The good news is that it’s never too late to quit smoking, and quitting later in life still has health benefits.

Limit alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure which can increase your risk of a stroke. According to the CDC, men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should have no more than one per day.

Residents at MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins have access to holistic wellness that promotes healthy living on a physical, social, and emotional level and may reduce the risk of stroke and other chronic illnesses. Our continuum of senior care services includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Contact MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins today to invest in your health. Wellness is waiting!