Aging affects the heart negatively. With advancing age, the heart grows weak and becomes susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Since the heart is one of the most vital organs of our system, it is necessary to take adequate care, especially during old age.
If you are someone who is looking for ways to prevent or manage CVDs in your old age or if you are a caregiver taking care of someone elderly, you've landed on the right page. This article will let you know about some of the easiest ways to keep your elder ones safe against CVDs. So, keep reading!
Promote Physical Activity
An average fitness objective for older adults is a moderate activity that keeps you moving and breaks a light sweat for 30 minutes five days a week. It must be noted that being inactive during most of your day, such as sitting at work, in the car, or on the sofa, is not healthy. Instead, get up and move around to break up extended periods of sitting. We don't ask you to go kill it at the gym but move any way you can at home. Climbing up and down stairs during TV commercials or walking around while on the phone can serve the purpose. Making your bed and getting yourself a glass of water will do as well. The idea is to find small things to do at home to keep yourself as active as possible.
Eat Well to Stay Well
It is very wisely said, "You are what you eat." It means that if you are eating healthy, you are likely to stay healthy. Considering heart health exclusively, plant-based foods including vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts are the best to consume. Moreover, you must cut down on convenient foods like crackers, chips, packaged desserts, microwave meals, etc. According to nutritionists, one of the quickest ways to embrace a heart-healthy diet is to avoid sweetened drinks like sodas and fruit juices and consume fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality whole grains, and wild fish instead. These nutrient-rich food items can keep your heart healthy by strengthening it structurally and elevating its function.
Monitor and Manage Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the key drivers of cardiovascular issues. The extra stress on the circulatory system when blood pressure increases might damage the walls of the arteries and veins, causing scar tissues to form. This can make it difficult for blood and oxygen to flow freely both to and from the heart. Thus leading the heart to work more and wear out faster. Therefore, an individual or their caregiver must make sure that the blood pressure falls in a healthy range. For that, reduced salt and alcohol intake, and lesser consumption of saturated-fat foods is the best. More exercise and stress management will also aid in lowering blood pressure to normal levels.
Following these three golden rules, you can prevent and manage CVDs in the best possible manner. So, if you are at risk of developing heart diseases, start practicing them as soon as possible.
For more resources on cardiovascular diseases and care in older adults, contact Effraim Home Care. Our skilled in-home caregivers are knowledgeable in helping older individuals thrive and enhance their overall wellbeing, and we love nothing more than having the assurance that the seniors in our care are healthy and living life to the fullest! Reach out to us at (215) 826-7422 to learn more about one of the most trusted home care agencies in Allentown, PA or the surrounding areas!
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