DASH-Plus Program Aims to Combat High Blood Pressure in Older Adults
A new health initiative called DASH-Plus is set to help older adults manage high blood pressure through diet, exercise, and self-care. The program comes as nearly two-thirds of Americans aged 60 and over live with hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease—the country’s leading cause of death. The DASH-Plus program will run for eight weeks, with participants meeting once a week for an hour. Each session will focus on education, covering diet, physical activity, and self-monitoring of blood pressure. The approach builds on the well-researched DASH diet, which emphasises fresh fruits, vegetables, and balanced nutrition.
This summer, the program will begin with virtual testing before expanding to in-person sessions next year. Organisers aim to tackle barriers like limited access to fresh produce and proper blood pressure monitoring tools. With nearly one in three U.S. adults already living with hypertension, the need for effective management is growing. By 2030, projections show that one in five Americans will be an older adult. This shift makes programs like DASH-Plus increasingly important, as hypertension rates rise with age. The initiative hopes to reduce risks by giving participants practical tools to control their health.
The DASH-Plus program will first launch online this summer, with plans to offer face-to-face sessions in 2025. Its focus on diet, exercise, and self-management targets a critical health issue for an ageing population. If successful, the initiative could help lower hypertension rates and reduce the burden of heart disease.
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