3 Easy Ways to Promote Heart-Healthy Senior Living

3 Simple Strategies for Promoting Heart Health in Older Adults

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With age, seniors develop a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions, ranging from high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol to heart attacks and heart disease. While there’s no way to guarantee a senior won’t develop one or more of these conditions, some simple lifestyle changes can be made to significantly reduce the risk. Here are three easy ways to promote a heart-healthy senior lifestyle.

1. Kick Bad Habits One at a Time

Dramatic lifestyle changes are often difficult for seniors because they require them to stop doing things they’ve likely done for years, if not decades. Seniors looking to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle should try to kick bad habits one by one. For instance, instead of drastically removing all unhealthy food from the diet, start with the removal of one item, like sweets. Then move on to sodas and processed convenience foods to make the transition easier. 

Indulging in unhealthy foods isn’t the only bad habit to break. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also be damaging to the heart.

If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care service. Danville Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

2. Go for Daily Walks

Living an active lifestyle is essential for heart health, but many people misunderstand what an active lifestyle really entails. Seniors aren’t expected to be weight lifters or marathon runners, but some type of activity, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood, can increase the heart rate, which can lead to healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Seniors should also consider walking with family members, friends, or professional caregivers, as studies show exercise routines have a higher rate of completion when done with a partner.

Home Care Danville agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

3. Don’t Skip Regular Medical Appointments

There are many reasons a senior may skip an annual medical appointment. For some, there’s the fear of the unknown or the possibility of being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Others may feel there’s simply no reason to go, or they may not have transportation to get to their appointments. However, it’s extremely important for seniors to attend regular medical appointments to ensure their health is monitored consistently. Doctors can make recommendations for how to best live a heart-healthy lifestyle and identify any problems as soon as possible.

If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits that promote better cardiovascular health, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Danville, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (925) 332-1276 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.