Heart health is very important, particularly for seniors. As the body changes with age, it’s more important than ever to give cardiovascular health priority. Thankfully, seniors can make easy choices each day to look after their hearts and lead fulfilling lives, especially if they receive companion care at home services.
Here are a few of the heart-healthy choices that can have a big impact on senior wellness.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: The foundation of heart health is a well-balanced diet. Seniors should prioritize including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats in their meals. At the same time, reducing intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease. For seniors who struggle with the transition, companion care at home can assist with health meal planning.
Hydration Is Key: Seniors need to drink plenty of water because dehydration can worsen pre-existing medical issues and put stress on the heart. Fresh juices, infused water, and herbal teas are great ways to stay hydrated, along with regular water.
Make Physical Activity a Priority: Staying physically fit and strong requires regular exercise. Seniors should partake in exercises appropriate to their level of fitness, such as Tai Chi, yoga, swimming, or walking. Any activity, even mild activity, can improve cardiovascular health and general wellness.
Learn to Manage Stress: Prolonged stress might damage the heart. To reduce stress, seniors can try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or spending time in nature. Taking up interests, interacting with others, and asking for help are other ways to enhance emotional health and manage stress. Companion care at home can help seniors understand stress triggers and encourage the use of proper management techniques.
Get Enough Sleep: Heart health depends on getting enough sleep. Seniors should strive for seven to nine hours of sound sleep per night. It is possible to promote improved sleep patterns by reducing screen time before bed, creating a pleasant sleep environment, and establishing a calming bedtime routine.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular problems depend on routine monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Seniors should plan routine examinations with their medical professionals and heed their advice regarding medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Give Up Smoking: Smoking greatly raises the risk of heart disease and other dangerous illnesses. Seniors who smoke ought to look for assistance and options to break this habit. Both short-term and long-term heart health benefits can result from quitting smoking.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol might increase the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and other cardiovascular issues. In order to safeguard their heart health, seniors should either drink alcohol in moderation or not at all.
Maintain Social Networks: Being social is good for the heart and general well-being. Seniors should regularly engage in activities, meaningful talks, and interactions with family, friends, and community members to foster these relationships. When they have companion care at home, they have a built-in social network as well as assistance in getting to social events if needed.
Heart health maintenance is essential, which is why it’s crucial for companion care at home and loved ones to encourage seniors to focus on heart-healthy choices each day.
Sources: https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/members-only-access/info-2021/smart-guide-healthy-heart
https://www.dulyhealthandcare.com/health-topic/heart-smart-at-every-age-a-lifelong-guide-to-heart
https://www.ncoa.org/article/healthy-eating-tips-for-seniors
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Gallatin TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (615) 307-4509
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Nashville, Brentwood, Nolensville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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