Controlling Hypertension in the Elderly Through Routine Blood Pressure Checks and Hypertension Exercises

Abstract

Uncontrolled hypertension is potentially increase morbidity and mortality rates. One of the recommended physical activities to control hypertension in the elderly is exercise. This activity can help restore position and flexibility to the nervous system and blood pressure, maximize blood flow to the brain and other benefits. The aim of this community service is to help increase awareness of the elderly regarding controlling hypertension, and routinely carry out blood pressure checks and actively carry out elderly exercise. The methods used are health education, doing hypertension exercises and checking blood pressure. Community service activities were carried out on Saturday, December 15 at 07.00-10.00 WIB. Of the 39 elderly people who attended, 4 elderly people were found to have blood pressure above normal (>140-90 mmHg). It can be said that the prevalence of hypertension is only 14%, because other elderly people have it controlled through regular blood pressure checks. Overall, the activity ran smoothly and the enthusiasm of the elderly was also very good. This kind of activity is still needed by the elderly with material that adapts to the problems experienced by the elderly in Tiru Kidul village. Health education related to efforts to control blood based on the prevention and control program for non-communicable diseases (P2PTM) from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, activity therapy in the form of hypertension exercises was adopted from several studies which have been proven effective in controlling and lowering blood pressure in the elderly.