6 Care Tips for Perfect Senior Heart Health
The post- retirement years call for paying more attention to one’s fitness and health. With age, many changes happen in the body underscoring the need for being extra careful towards following a healthy lifestyle and diet! A well balanced nutritious diet, fitness regime and timely health checkups can make the twilight years much happier and memorable.
As it grows old, our heart also needs special attention! Aging can cause changes in the heart and blood vessels; and fatty deposits might build up in the walls of the arteries. With age, arteries may also become stiff and hard causing high blood pressure. Hence, an extra pound of love and care is what the heart needs during these twilight years.
Ways to maintain Heart Health in Old Age
Watch your Diet
A healthy diet keeps the heart healthy by supplying the required health boosters to the body and also controls weight. Elders should incorporate leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, etc., to promote blood circulation and protect arteries as they contain vitamin K. Having whole grains such as brown rice and oats may reduce cholesterol and are good for the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids can also pump heart health; and can be incorporated in the diet from fishes such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna.
Stop Smoking
Smoking has always been associated with heart ailments. Hence, it is ideal to quit smoking for seniors to protect their heart. If quitting seems difficult, then elders should not hesitate from taking professional assistance in getting rid of this harmful habit.
Exercise Daily
Cardio exercises such as walking, swimming and light aerobics are easy to perform and also complement the heart health. One should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times days a week. Never let ‘I am too old to do it’, ‘I can’t do it’ excuses come in between you and your good heart health!
Stay Happy and Socially Connected
Being lonely and having life related worries is common during senior years for many elders and it can hamper the functioning of the heart as blood pressure goes up. It is a must for elders to throw worries aside and stay happy. Seniors should also stay connected with people from neighborhood and family to keep stress away.
Sleep Well
Less sleep can also affect heart health; hence elders should sleep for at least 7 to 9 hours a day. If you take an afternoon siesta then don’t make it too long. A long day time sleep session can affect the night time sleep. Moreover, don’t drink coffee/tea before going to bed and avoid watching TV or using mobile prior to sleep.
Have Regular Checkups
To keep heart health in check, one should undergo health checkups at least once every year. Furthermore, take all the medicines regularly to not let any issue hurt your heart.
Be watchful of any red alerts or early warning signs of heart health concerns. If you feel even a minute issue with heart, we would advise you not to neglect it at all. Never delay any treatment or skip medicines as it can be fatal. Good heart health is truly a treasure that a person needs to give extra care, especially in the twilight years as even a little carelessness towards heart health can lead to dire consequences.
For any heart related concerns, book appointment with our super squad of cardiologists.