VISITING ANGELS SHEBOYGAN, WI 920-221-1000
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National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month:  Four Tips for Managing Headaches in Older Adults

National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month: Four Tips for Managing Headaches in Older Adults

Headaches are very common conditions that can occur at any age, including older adulthood. Approximately 75 percent of adults experience a headache each year. Although the majority of headaches occur in younger adulthood, older adults still suffer from headaches from time to time.

Headaches can be triggered by various lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, inactivity, and muscle tension. The key difference in headaches that affect older adults is that the cause is more often secondary, or related to another medical condition such as infection, hypertension, or head injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, older adults have a higher risk of a secondary cause, than in younger adults.

June is National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month. Headaches don’t have to keep seniors down. Here are four tips for managing headaches in older adults.

Rule Out Secondary Causes

Headaches that occur frequently in older adults are a cause for concern. Older adults who experience headaches regularly need to see their doctor to rule out secondary causes. Most secondary causes of headaches become more prevalent with age. Older adults have a higher risk for hypertension and infection. They’re also more likely to take prescription medications to manage chronic health conditions. A common side-effect of most prescription medications is a headache. Seniors should discuss this with their doctor, as well as get a full check-up to rule out secondary causes.

Stay Hydrated

Seniors have a higher risk for dehydration because they naturally have less water in their bodies. The thirst response also diminishes with age, meaning many seniors don’t even realize they are thirsty. Dehydration is very dangerous for seniors and can cause a variety of serious health problems, including headaches. Studies show that staying hydrated can help prevent headaches. Seniors should drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day to manage headaches and prevent them altogether.

Prioritize Sleep

Changes in sleep patterns can also trigger headaches. Unfortunately, many seniors suffer from sleep disturbances as they age; however, research shows that quality sleep can combat headaches and help provide relief. Older adults should aim to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. To achieve this, seniors may need to make minor adjustments to their sleep habits. Healthy sleep habits include going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time each day, eliminating screens before bed, and developing a bedtime routine that signals the body and mind that it’s time to sleep.

Exercise Daily

Lastly, seniors can manage headaches by incorporating exercise into their daily routine. Exercise is essential not only for managing headaches, but it’s a vital component of healthy aging. Physical activity releases endorphins, or those feel-good hormones that induce positive feelings. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and can help relieve stress. Seniors don’t need to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise. Low-impact exercises, such as yoga or walking, are just as effective as high-intensity workouts in managing headaches.

Are you a senior in need of help at home? Perhaps you’re looking for help for your aging parents and the decision process is giving you a headache. Visiting Angels Sheboygan is here to help. When it comes to home care, we believe that having options isn’t just important, it’s essential. We provide a comprehensive approach to home care that allows our clients to choose which services are provided and when. This allows our clients and their families to remain in control, without them having to sacrifice their dignity or independence. Let us take the headache out of getting started with home care. Please contact us today by calling 920-221-1000 to schedule a free senior care consultation.

Serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties

Visiting Angels SHEBOYGAN, WI
2108 Kohler Memorial Dr #70
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-221-1000
Fax: 920-328-0324

Serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties

Visiting Angels SHEBOYGAN, WI
2108 Kohler Memorial Dr #70
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-221-1000
Fax: 920-328-0324