IMPLEMENTASI JALAN KAKI TERHADAP PENURUNAN TEKANAN DARAH LANSIA

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on artery walls, with a normal adult value around 120/80 mmHg. In the elderly, blood pressure tends to rise with age, with normal values ranging between 130/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg due to the hardening of blood vessels. Factors such as lack of physical activity can increase blood pressure by making the heart work harder. Hypertension management includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, such as walking, which is proven effective in lowering blood pressure. Studies show that walking three times a week for 30 minutes significantly reduces blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients, both systolic and diastolic. Research supports that walking positively affects blood pressure reduction, making it a simple yet effective intervention for managing hypertension in the elderly. By reducing heart rate frequency and strengthening heart muscles, walking helps maintain cardiovascular health and prevent hypertension-related complications. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of a walking program in reducing high blood pressure in elderly people with hypertension. The method used in this research is explanatory. The results showed a decrease in blood pressure in Mrs. S from 125/80 mmHg to 120/75 mmHg and in Mrs. L from 120/90 mmHg to 115/90 mmHg after three days. The conclusion of this study is that walking for 30 minutes is proven to be effective in reducing high blood pressure.