Heart health is a crucial part of one’s overall well-being and this is true, especially for seniors. With age, our bodies change and there is an increased risk of heart-related complications to occur.
One has to take the necessary measures to maintain good heart health for problem-free living in the long run. The Chennai Homes, a reputed senior living home in India, ensures that our residents are well taken care of at all times. Our caregivers give the necessary support and help to our seniors to keep them happy, active and healthy.
Here are 5 tips for maintaining good heart health in seniors.
1. Managing and reducing stress
Stress can have a significant impact on one’s health. Prolonged chronic stress is known to increase the risk of heart disease. Seniors should follow the best practices to reduce stress in their lives.
They can implement simple daily practices such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and more. They can also make some lifestyle changes like listening to music, gardening, staying connected with nature and spending time with family & friends. It’s also important for seniors to find their interests and bring changes to their lifestyles accordingly.
2. Maintaining a healthy diet
We indeed are what we eat, and eating a balanced diet is important for seniors to maintain their health. They should consume a mix of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, whole grains, etc.
They should limit the consumption of overly salty foods, direct sugars, processed items and trans fats. They should remember to eat foods that are low in sodium and high in fibre. Staying hydrated is important, too, so they must make sure to drink small amounts of water regularly throughout the day.
3. Exercising regularly
Exercise should be a part of one’s daily routine. It helps improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and to shed those extra kilos. Seniors should see that they get at least 20 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day.
They can start with simple exercises like walking, light jogging, occasional swimming, cycling and even some strength training workouts. This will not only keep them active but also keep their heart health in check.
4. Getting enough sleep
Sleeping is also an important factor for heart health. A minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep per day is essential for seniors as it helps in reducing stress, and lowers blood pressure, thus helping them be more active and rejuvenated the next day.
A good way to get a good night’s sleep is to keep away distractions, electronics and bright lights like TV, phones etc, at least 30 minutes before sleep time. Listening to calming music and creating a relaxing sleep environment help too.
5. Scheduling regular doctor check-ups
Seniors should consult their healthcare provider regularly to monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels etc. If they have a history of heart disease, it is more important to go for frequent checkups.
If they have any symptoms or concerns related to their heart, it must be communicated with the doctor so they can do the necessary check-ups and prescribe them the next steps like lifestyle changes, medications, treatment options etc.
To enjoy a happy and healthy life, maintaining a healthy heart is important for seniors. By following these tips, seniors can reduce their risk of heart disease and other related conditions, and improve their overall quality of life.
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