Although heart disease affects many aging adults, lowering the risk isn’t impossible. Making healthy lifestyle choices is a great way for seniors to maintain good heart health. Here are some ways older adults can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is a bad habit for people of all ages, especially seniors. It can damage the lining of the arteries and cause the buildup of fatty material that narrows the arteries. As a result, seniors can develop angina, which is severe pain in the chest, arms, shoulders, and neck.
By giving up smoking, aging adults can boost their blood circulation and lower their risk of strokes and heart attacks. Encourage your loved one to engage in arts and crafts, write, learn a new language, or take up other healthy habits to overcome the craving for tobacco products.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Embrace In-Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Eat Healthy Foods
One of the best ways to boost heart health is to avoid foods rich in sugar and sodium. Eating healthy foods increases circulation and lowers the risk of blood clots. Seniors who eat nutritious meals can stave off diabetes, obesity, and other health issues that lead to heart disease.
Your loved one’s diet should contain foods high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that lower blood pressure levels and prevent weight gain. Some of the best foods that boost heart health include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Oily fish
- Whole grains
- Dark chocolate
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean meats
Some seniors need help preparing healthy meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Green Valley, AZ, families trust Embrace In-Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Manage Stress Levels
Persistently elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can lead to high cholesterol and blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. High stress levels can also change the way blood clots, leading to a heart attack.
Stress can be caused by various physical, emotional, and environmental changes. Help your loved one identify and eliminate daily stressors. For example, if your parent is stressed about his or her finances, suggest getting a part-time job. In the event your loved one experiences stress around certain people, he or she should avoid those individuals.
Attend Regular Doctor Visits
It’s important for aging adults to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and stay socially active, but regular checkups are equally important for their heart health. Working with family physicians can help older adults boost their health. Doctors normally conduct physical exams, administer blood tests, and order X-ray testing that can detect heart issues. Getting examined routinely can prevent heart disease or slow its progression.
Encouraging older adults to let go of unhealthy habits and make healthier lifestyle choices can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Green Valley, AZ, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Embrace In-Home Care. Our respite 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. Whether your parent needs hourly or live-in care, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today.