Heart disease is the number-one killer of Americans. It takes more lives than all forms of cancer combined. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease are among the top common chronic conditions for older adults aged 54 years and over. The risks of heart disease increase with age, but practicing the right daily routine for healthy heart is essential to protect your precious heart. Here are several daily routines you can follow.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eating a heart-healthy diet while also practicing other healthy habits can help you to better control your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. This will help you to maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol level. In retirement communities, residents get to enjoy nutritious and well-balanced meals that take care of their heart health. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and legumes are included in their daily meals. Lean sources of food that include seafood, beans, fish, and skinless poultry are also offered to residents.
Stay Active
Our body is made to stay active in order for us to thrive healthily. When we stay active by exercising, our heart rate increases, and more oxygen and blood are pumped into our muscles. Our heart responds by working more efficiently and becoming stronger to open up blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Experts recommend older adults to work out at least five times a week for 30 minutes each time, mixing up a combination of strength-building exercises, aerobics, and stretching.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being severely underweight or overweight can significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease. By eating a well-balanced meal and exercising regularly can help to promote good heart health. According to experts, increased body weight can cause health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure which are both risk factors for heart disease. Shedding a few pounds can have a great impact on lowering these risk factors.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a common factor that can cause high blood pressure which is a risk factor for stroke and heart attack. Stress may also contribute to other cardiovascular diseases, similar to the risks caused by unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, and a lack of physical activity. In a retirement community, residents do not have to worry about leading a sedentary lifestyle as there is a daily lineup of fitness programs for them to follow to help maintain their overall well-being.
Quit Smoking
As mentioned above, smoking increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you have been smoking for decades, try cutting down gradually before finally quitting the bad habit for good. Smoking is highly detrimental to your health as cigarettes contain harmful toxins and impurities.
Go for Screening
There are various cardiovascular screenings that you can go for which are covered by Medicare. You can also inquire about other preventative tests that help to detect any health issues at an early stage. Knowing what you are currently living with can help you to better manage the symptoms and change your lifestyle habits to prevent severe ailments.
