Heart Healthy Habits to Practice
Many changes take place to the heart as we age, putting seniors at a higher risk of heart disease and other related issues. It’s essential that older adults take steps to maintain heart health in order to enjoy an active lifestyle throughout their golden years.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Heart Strong in Your Senior Years
Heart disease is one of the top causes of disability for older adults, and can have a significant impact on quality of life. The good news is that you can drastically lower your chances of developing cardiac issues by practicing the following habits.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
When it comes to maintaining our overall health and wellness, the role that a balanced diet plays can not be overstated. The Mayo Clinic says seniors should focus on incorporating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein, while decreasing your sodium and saturated fat intake whenever possible. Need healthy meal planning ideas? We have a helpful past blog post with several Quick and Easy Meal suggestions.
Stay Physically Active
Physical activity can make a crucial difference in heart health. For seniors, the best way to fit regular movement in is with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling. All of these activities work to improve endurance, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress that's put on your heart. If you’re not sure where to start, aim to take a daily walk around your neighborhood, go for a gentle hike at Veteran Acres Park, or sign up for a water aerobics class at Sage YMCA. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Two of the biggest contributing factors to heart health are blood pressure and cholesterol. While these can typically be controlled with diet and exercise, sometimes medication is necessary. Regular check ups with your physician will help you stay on top of your levels, allowing you to make quick interventions if any changes occur.
Get High Quality Sleep
Getting enough rest is essential for a healthy heart, however, many seniors struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders. The National Institute on Aging recommends several tips, including following a regular sleep schedule, avoiding napping, maintaining a bedtime routine, and staying away from caffeine late in the day. If their advice doesn’t do the trick, talking to your doctor about your sleep issues can be beneficial.
Heart Healthy Living With Visiting Angels Crystal Lake
At Visiting Angels Crystal Lake, our team understands that heart health is a major concern for seniors and their families. If you have heart disease or are working to prevent it, our kind and experienced caregivers can help with healthy meal planning and preparation, exercise assistance, and medication reminders, among other tasks.
We are committed to supporting the health of seniors in the Crystal Lake area with our compassionate in-home care services. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, reach out to our agency today and one of our friendly care coordinators will be happy to help you!