Abstract

Essential hypertension, the most common type, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, a rapidly growing section of the population. It is a sad reality that until the 1950s treating benign hypertension was not thought to be necessary. The tragic death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 12, 1945 at the age of 63 years, with a blood pressure of 350/195mmHg, and without treatment shocked the healthcare community. Now, with extensive research, the availability of affordable and effective treatments and lifestyle measures, freedom from unfounded phobias of adverse drug effects, and new approaches such as aroma, colour and music therapy have improved the quality of life for hypertensives generally and especially the elderly.

Keywords: Essential hypertension; Lifestyle recommendations; Aromatherapy; Colour therapy; Music therapy