As we age, the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, stroke, and hypertension increases. It's never too late to take proactive steps to help maintain a happy and healthy heart! Review our tips for effectively exercising, navigating stress, following a heart-healthy diet, monitoring medications, and engaging with others to keep your heart beating strong.
Effective Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining heart health, especially as we age. As individuals grow older, the heart's efficiency naturally declines, making exercise even more vital. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, enhances blood vessel flexibility, and improves overall cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, exercise helps manage other risk factors associated with aging, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Walking is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise accessible to many people. Group exercise classes and chair exercises are fantastic options in Brightview Senior Living communities. And even gardening qualifies as exercising! Remember to stretch before and after any physical activity.
Navigate Stress
Engaging in light physical activities can significantly alleviate stress. Activities like meditation and gentle yoga have proven benefits in reducing blood pressure and enhancing overall heart health. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial for stress management.
Heart-Healthy Diet
Adopting a heart-healthy diet becomes crucial in managing risk factors such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. A nutrient-rich diet, characterized by low sodium and saturated fat intake, helps regulate blood pressure and maintain optimal cholesterol levels. Incorporating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that support heart function.
Monitor Medications
It's very common for individuals to take more medications as they age. Make sure only to take medication prescribed by a health care provider. Pay attention to any side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they may impact the heart!
Social Engagement
Maintaining strong social connections and participating in meaningful activities contribute to a reduction in stress, loneliness, and depression—factors that can significantly impact heart health. Engaging in social activities provides emotional support and encourages a sense of purpose and belonging, positively influencing overall mental and emotional health. Furthermore, studies suggest that individuals with robust social networks often exhibit better heart health outcomes, including lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.
At Brightview Senior Living, your loved one’s overall well-being is our top priority. We believe in a holistic approach to wellness, and through dining, personalized care, physical activities, and vibrant social engagements, we are dedicated to meeting each resident's unique needs and care.
Brightview Senior Living builds, owns, and operates award-winning vibrant senior living communities in eight states along the East Coast: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. We offer senior Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Care, and Wellspring Village™, a specialized neighborhood for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Schedule a personal visit to experience our communities firsthand.
