Heart health is an important consideration for all humans, but especially older adults who experience myriad changes to the heart as they age.  These changes have significant implications for an individual’s health and include muscle stiffness as well as a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that result in elevated blood pressure and can lead to heart attack, stroke, or heart disease.

Fortunately there are a number of steps that Seniors can take to lower the possibility of complications due to changes in the heart and to keep the heart healthy as they age.  These include:

1. Increased physical activity:  After first obtaining their Doctor’s approval and recommendations, encourage and motivate your aging family member to get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, working out daily if at all possible.  There are countless exercise options available so find something that the aging individual enjoys the most:  Walking, bowling, gardening, biking, dancing, and more.  Swimming especially makes for a great low-impact workout that is safe for Seniors and is enjoyable for most people.  Also keep in mind that exercising is most fun when done with someone else, so offer to work out with the Senior so that both you and they enjoy the heart health advantages!
2. Eat heart healthy foods:  Healthy eating habits may be difficult to implement and sustain if a Senior is used to salty, fatty, or sugary foods.  Gradually replacing these unhealthy options with healthy replacements is often the most effective way to create lasting healthy eating habits.
3. Integrate stress-relieving strategies. Decreasing stress is a key element in maintaining heart health, in addition to emotional wellbeing. Ensure the senior’s daily routine includes plenty of time for enjoyable, relaxing activities, such as reading, listening to music, spending time outdoors, and engaging in favorite hobbies and pastimes. Your senior loved one may also benefit from speaking with a counselor for additional coping tactics to more effectively manage stress.

Caregiver’s Home Solutions knowledgeable care staff are here to help seniors improve heart health through our expert home care in Fairfield and New Haven Counties and surrounding areas. We can assist with:

• Planning and preparing meals that are both nutritious and tasty
• Providing transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments, exercise classes, or wherever a senior needs to go
• Helping with household chores to allow older adults time to relax
• Offering friendly companionship for conversations and engaging, fun activities

Call us any time at 203-870-9850 for more information on our home care services and to request a free in-home consultation. We are available for as little as a few hours every week, up through and including 24-hour, live-in care, to provide just the right solution for a senior you love!