If you’re trying to enjoy your golden years to the fullest, focusing on heart health is a smart move. A few fundamental lifestyle changes can make all the difference for you and your heart. If you aren’t sure how to get started, let these tips for building a heart-healthy routine lead the way.
How to Build a Heart-Healthy Routine
Your heart is one of the most essential muscles in your body. If you already live a heart-healthy lifestyle, you know the importance of caring for it well. If you don’t prioritize your cardiovascular health as a senior, it’s time to start. Why is having a heart-healthy routine so important, and how can you create one for yourself?
How Does Aging Affect Your Heart?
Did you know that people over the age of 65 are more likely to experience an adverse health event related to their heart? While heart health is essential at every age, there are several unique risk factors for heart disease that seniors should be aware of:
- Aging causes changes in your heart and blood vessels. They slow down, and they don’t pump blood as efficiently as they used to.
- People over 65 are more likely to have arteriosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries due to fat deposits. This can cause heart disease.
- Some seniors have poor diets or a sedentary lifestyle as a result of aging. These issues, alongside other existing senior health problems, can cause heart disease and other complications.
How Can I Improve My Heart Health?
As you can see, taking care of your heart should be an important priority for every senior. If you aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. You can create a heart-healthy routine for yourself with a few basic lifestyle tweaks:
- Talk to your doctor about your current heart health, risk factors, and any lifestyle changes they may recommend. You should also get your blood pressure taken regularly, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
- Build physical activity into your day. Doctors recommend that seniors get 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Try to move a little every day. Focus on activities that you enjoy, like gardening or walking with a friend. If you aren’t sure where to start, your local senior center may provide fitness classes, or you can check out an online exercise program for seniors.
- Be mindful about what you put into your body. A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods that are high in fiber. Avoid food with a high sodium content. Alcohol can have a terrible effect on your heart health, as can cigarettes, so it’s a good idea to quit if you haven’t already. Put your health first!
- Your stress levels can have an effect on your blood pressure and cardiovascular health. If stress is an issue for you, look for strategies to mitigate it, like meditation. Random acts of kindness are another great way to introduce some joy into your life. Focusing on the positive side of things can help you reduce your stress and care for your heart, and it also makes life much more fun.
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Now that you know how to create a heart-healthy routine, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into action. How can you make your lifestyle heart-healthy today?
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