3 Powerful Ways Seniors Can Boost Heart Health
Did you know that it’s American Heart Month? February presents the perfect opportunity to reevaluate and maintain your heart health, as nothing could be more important regarding your overall well-being. According to the CDC, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. since 1950!
With a killer in this country that outpaces even cancer, it is all of our responsibility to maintain heart health and do what we can to ensure a long life for ourselves. That starts with education.
As a senior, before you make any major changes to your diet or lifestyle, be sure to consult your primary care provider about the changes you plan on making. Once you’ve done that, the truth is, the path towards a healthier heart is fairly straightforward, no matter your age. The question is: Will you embrace these powerful ways to improve your heart health?
1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Easier said than done… Many people do not know what constitutes a heart-healthy diet. Even those that do know, choose not to follow it. We’ve been conditioned in the U.S. to eat foods that are quickly prepared and easy on the wallet. Unfortunately, the foods that fit this description are often ultra-processed.
According to the American College of Cardiology, a daily serving of ultra-processed food was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of hard cardiovascular disease. What we’re putting in our mouths could literally be killing us.
To stop this cycle requires one of the hardest things to maintain: a lifestyle change. Switching to a heart-healthy diet of foods, such as whole grains, healthy fats, vegetables and more, cannot be a passing fad or a resolution we give up on after a few months. Changing the way you think about food and your overall diet is never easy, but we all have the capacity to make a lifestyle change. Once you commit to that change, you are well on your way to improving your overall heart health, which leads us to…
2. Exercise Regularly
Aerobics. Aerobics. Aerobics. Of course, as we’ve stated, consult your primary care provider to ensure it is safe for you to start exercising. However, as we age, most of us are not running marathons or doing intense weight training deep into our senior years. For this reason, aerobics present the perfect form of exercise for elderly Americans.
From cycling and dancing to Zumba and power walking, there are numerous ways to break a sweat and get your heart pumping more efficiently.
If your living community has a pool, consider doing water aerobics. If it does not, research local community centers as many provide water aerobics classes. For seniors, this is one of the best ways to exercise regularly as it combines aerobics with a full-body workout that is not strenuous on joints and doesn’t present a fall risk.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Lastly, if you’re following the first two suggestions, maintaining a healthy weight should come naturally. As you exercise and eat a heart-healthy diet, your cholesterol and blood pressure should reach normal levels as well, thus improving your overall health.
Be sure to consult your doctor about what a healthy body weight is for you. Although a good rule of thumb for most adults is a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. BMI is a standard measure of body fat based on height and weight, which applies to adult men and women.
Although lifestyle changes can be difficult to maintain, they are incredibly powerful in improving one’s overall heart health and reducing the risk of developing heart disease. By exercising regularly and eating a heart healthy diet, you should also be able to reach a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Maintain a Healthy Heart Year-Round with Masonicare
Remember, a healthy heart isn't just a February focus – it's a lifelong commitment. Masonicare is here to support healthy aging all year round! Our senior living communities offer dedicated assistance for daily activities, including meal preparation, exercise guidance, and medication management. This frees you to focus on enjoying life while still prioritizing your well-being. Explore how Masonicare can partner with you on your path to a happy, healthy heart. Call us at 888-332-0033 or learn more at masonicare.org.
For more information on heart health and aging, please visit the National Institute on Aging’s website or contact your primary care provider.