In the United States, heart disease happens to be the number one cause of death in the United States for women and men. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices can help protect your elderly loved ones from the risk of heart disease.
A healthy heart influences the well-being of the entire body and is worth the effort. There are several ways to reduce the risk of heart problems. Below are steps you and your elderly loved one can take to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Eat Healthy Foods
When your elderly loved one eats certain foods, they become subject to the unwanted risk of heart disease. You may not know this but certain foods help to reduce the chances of having heart problems while some increase the chances.
To help your loved one with their heart-healthy living, ensure that they eat healthy foods, especially fruit and vegetables. Additionally, you should help them control their portion size and limit unhealthy fat. Whole grain meals and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A are ideal for their heart’s health.
Get a Pet
Pets are known to be good company and agents of unconditional love. However, they have much more to offer. Getting your loved one a pat has several health benefits to it. Researchers in studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that owning a pet can help improve the heart’s function.
Having a pet will encourage your loved one to move more, as they will need to walk and play with your pet. With a pet dog or cat, you can be assured that your elderly loved one can remain physically active.
Dance to Music
Dancing is a great heart-healthy workout your loved one can try. It is a form of aerobic exercise that helps to raise your heart rate and pump your lungs. According to Mayo Clinic, you can burn up to 200 calories or more per hour dancing.
At Morada Burleson, every single day is occupied with fun activities that your elderly loved one will enjoy as part of our senior living programs. This includes live music shows where your loved one can dance and socialize.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
Good hygiene simply means keeping one’s body as clean and germ-free as possible. Oral hygiene is especially important to a heart-healthy living as it helps to keep bacteria at bay.
Some bacteria responsible for gum disease can also put your loved ones at risk of heart disease. Ensure that your loved ones incorporate proper hygiene into their everyday lifestyle.
Play Games
Participating in games gives room for fun, socialization, and exercise. One of the activities options in our senior living programs is trying out a variety of recreational activities including games.
Quit Smoking
One of the risk factors for heart disease that can be controlled is smoking. This is a lifestyle option you can recommend to your loved ones to help them protect their health and blood vessels. It will bit only help your heart, but also your overall health.
Try Gardening
Gardening is an outdoor activity that can help your loved one’s mobility. Asides from getting them to be more mobile, it will also allow them to enjoy the beauty of nature while building their strength.
At Morada Burleson, we encourage your loved ones to engage in physical activities. Contact us today to learn more about our senior living programs and how we can help your elderly loved ones improve their heart-healthy lifestyle.
