Makassar, Indonesia April 25 2026/PMN-RG/ – Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” continues to threaten millions of elderly people worldwide especially in developing countries. But what if managing this condition doesn’t always require complex medical interventions? A recent study reveals that simple daily habits known as self-care management can make a life-saving difference.
According to a scoping review analyzing 17 studies across eight countries, self-care plays a crucial role in helping older adults control their blood pressure and improve overall health . These practices include monitoring blood pressure, taking medication regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and managing stress. While these actions may seem basic, their impact is powerful.
The study highlights that effective self-care can significantly reduce blood pressure, prevent complications such as stroke and heart disease, and even lower mortality rates among elderly patients . Interestingly, among various strategies, medication adherence and consistent blood pressure monitoring emerged as the most critical factors. This means that simply taking prescribed medicine correctly and regularly checking blood pressure can greatly improve outcomes.
However, challenges remain. Many elderly individuals struggle with maintaining long-term medication routines or adopting healthy lifestyles. As noted in the findings, some patients feel fatigued by continuous medication use, while others lack proper health education or support systems . This shows that self-care is not just an individual responsibility—it requires support from families, healthcare providers, and communities.
This issue directly connects with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. Empowering elderly individuals with knowledge and skills for self-care is a practical step toward achieving this goal. When older adults are educated and supported, they can actively manage their own health, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Moreover, self-care management is cost-effective—an important factor for developing countries. Instead of relying solely on expensive treatments, promoting simple lifestyle changes can provide sustainable health solutions. Education programs, community health initiatives, and family involvement can all strengthen this approach.
In today’s aging world, where the elderly population continues to grow rapidly, we need smarter and more accessible health strategies. Self-care management offers exactly that: a practical, low-cost, and effective way to improve quality of life.
Ultimately, the message is clear—small daily actions can lead to big health outcomes. By encouraging self-care habits, we are not only helping individuals live longer but also supporting a healthier society.
Reference:
DOI : https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.0052
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
