Why Blood Pressure Matters More as We Age: Expert Advice for Families and Carers
Blood pressure is something many of us know we should keep an eye on, but it often only becomes a priority after a health scare or a visit to the doctor. The reality is that blood pressure can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing, particularly as we get older, and understanding what those numbers mean could help prevent serious complications.
In this episode of The Care Cast, host Luca Rado, Co-founder of The Live In Care Company, is joined by Sam Olden, Chair of the Clinical Practitioners Group at the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) and a member of its Executive Committee. Together, they discuss why blood pressure changes with age, why it is often called the “silent killer” and what families and carers can do to support loved ones.
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For anyone helping an older relative or considering live-in care, the conversation offers practical advice that could make a real difference to long-term health and day-to-day quality of life.
Sam begins by explaining that blood pressure is simply a measure of the pressure created as the heart pumps blood around the body. While that may sound straightforward, the effects of blood pressure are anything but simple.
As we age, our arteries naturally become stiffer and the heart itself can become less efficient. This means blood pressure often rises over time, increasing the risk of problems such as stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. At the same time, blood pressure that is too low can create its own challenges, including dizziness, falls and reduced blood flow to important organs.
As Sam explains:
“We often call high blood pressure hypertension a silent killer because it can often go undetected for a long time.”
Unlike many health conditions, high blood pressure may produce very few symptoms. Someone can feel perfectly well while their cardiovascular system is under significant strain. This is why regular monitoring is so important.
Blood Pressure and Frailty: Finding the Right Balance
One of the most interesting parts of the discussion is the relationship between blood pressure and ageing.
Sam explains that managing blood pressure becomes more complex in later life because treatment is no longer just about reducing long-term risk. It is also about protecting day-to-day wellbeing.
For a younger adult, lowering blood pressure aggressively may help prevent future heart attacks or strokes. However, for an older person who is frail, lowering blood pressure too much could increase the risk of falls or confusion.
He makes an important distinction:
“Being old doesn’t mean you’re frail and being frail doesn’t mean you’re old.”
Instead, blood pressure management should be person-centred, taking into account the individual’s overall health, lifestyle and priorities. For many families, particularly those supporting someone through live-in care, these conversations are best had together with healthcare professionals.
The Signs Families and Carers Should Watch For
Although high blood pressure often has few obvious symptoms, there are certain changes that should never be ignored.
Persistent headaches, changes in vision, swelling around the ankles and breathlessness can sometimes indicate that the cardiovascular system is under pressure. Low blood pressure is often easier to spot and may present as dizziness, feeling faint when standing up, tiredness or repeated falls.
Sam also highlights that changes in thinking or memory, particularly when they appear suddenly, can sometimes be linked to poor blood flow and should be investigated.
One of the key messages from the episode is that carers and family members are often the first people to notice these subtle changes.
For families using live-in care, having someone present every day can provide valuable reassurance that changes in mobility, energy levels or general wellbeing are recognised early and discussed with healthcare professionals.
Why Medication Reviews Are So Important
The conversation also explores how blood pressure medication may need to change over time.
Many older adults take several medications at once, a situation known as polypharmacy. As weight, muscle mass and overall health change, the dose that was right ten years ago may no longer be appropriate.
Sam explains that medication should never simply continue without review.
Changes in appetite, hydration, activity levels and kidney function can all affect how blood pressure medicines work.
He points out that:
“Somebody could be prescribed a drug ten years ago and if they lose weight or muscle mass that can become a much more potent dose.”
For families supporting an older loved one, asking when medications were last reviewed can be an important part of advocating for their health.
Everyday Steps That Can Support Healthy Blood Pressure
While medication can play an important role, lifestyle remains a key part of blood pressure management.
Sam highlights the importance of balanced nutrition, staying hydrated, maintaining physical activity and getting enough sleep. However, he is careful to stress that these recommendations should always be adapted to the individual.
For example, while reducing salt intake may help some people, others may struggle to eat enough food in the first place. Likewise, hydration is important, but some people with heart conditions may have restrictions on their fluid intake.
The focus should always be on balance and practical solutions that improve quality of life.
This is another area where live-in care can offer valuable support. Carers can help encourage healthy routines, assist with medication, monitor hydration and support appropriate levels of physical activity, all while adapting to the person’s changing needs.
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One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is that prevention is always better than reacting after something has gone wrong.
Regular blood pressure checks, annual medication reviews and paying attention to small changes in someone’s health can all help reduce the risk of more serious complications later on.
Sam also encourages carers and families to feel confident asking questions.
Has the medication been reviewed recently?
Could these symptoms be related to blood pressure?
Are there any lifestyle changes that could help?
Should blood pressure be monitored more regularly?
These conversations can make a significant difference, especially for older adults who may struggle to advocate for themselves.
A Shared Responsibility for Better Health
Sam’s message is ultimately a reassuring one. Blood pressure remains just as important in later life, but treatment should focus not only on reducing future risk but also on helping people enjoy the best possible quality of life today.
As he says:
“If we get blood pressure in those right areas, it improves quality of life and outcomes, not just in terms of long-term risk but day-to-day quality of life.”
For families caring for older relatives, understanding blood pressure and knowing when to seek advice can help people stay healthier, more independent and safer at home for longer.
A huge thank you to Sam Olden for joining Luca on The Care Cast and sharing his expertise. His practical guidance offers valuable reassurance to families, carers and professionals supporting older adults every day.
If you are exploring live-in care for a loved one and want to understand how personalised support can help with medication routines, monitoring wellbeing and promoting independence at home, The Live In Care Company is here to help, call us on 0345 125 8975.
