5 Heart Healthy Habits For Seniors
No matter what age you are, you can keep your heart healthy. It does take some effort and possibly some changes in your every day routine. For example: eating a heart healthy diet and increasing your activity level. Here are some suggestions to keep your, your parent’s or Senior loved one’s heart in great shape!
Eat Healthy
As we age our bodies change, less muscle mass, our bodies burn fewer calories so it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
Eating a heart healthy diet is essential in ones overall health and well-being. You can start eating healthier that by eating less red meat and incorporating more foods rich in Omega-3 acids such as salmon or trout. Eggs are also a delicious food that offers high protein along with vitamins and minerals. Try to get at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Fruit and vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Dairy or milk products provide Vitamin D and calcium, so do soy, rice, and almonds. Fiber rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grains and nuts will also help lower blood cholesterol.
Get Updated Information on Medication Management
In order to avoid possible complications with medications, schedule frequent Physician visits to review your regimen. Make sure you’re taking your medications as prescribed by your Physician. Pre-sort pills in daily reminder boxes if you take multiple medications. Know which medications you can take together, and which medications you can’t. Also pay attention to which medications need to be taken with foods or liquids. Watch for side effects and make sure to talk about them. Dispose of old drugs that are expired or medications that are discontinued by your Physician.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep can have many effects on seniors that most might ignore. Poor quality sleep may cause memory loss or forgetfulness. Feeling groggy or less alert might lead to increased falls. Consuming too much caffeine throughout the day can affect sleep quality. Maintaining a regular bed and wake time schedule will help your body get used to a pattern. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper sleep helps keep your mind alert, preserves energy levels, and helps you live life to the fullest.
Stay Mentally Healthy
Many Seniors deal with mental stress, depression and anxiety. These can worsen their overall quality of life. Connecting with others as often as possible helps with isolation and loneliness. Staying in touch with family and friends which can also help create opportunities for Seniors to interact with others in their neighborhood or Assisted Living communities. Exercise can also improve mental health and might be just as affective as medications. Relieving stress, can also benefit psychological health. Getting fresh air, and a change of scenery can help boost ones mood and can be as simple as taking a walk outside. Mental exercises such as puzzles, reading and brain exercises are also important to stay mentally healthy.
Watch for Vision Changes
An annual eye checkup is a simple, low-stress way to keep tabs on your eyes and overall health. What many folks do not realize is that an eye exam can also uncover symptoms of significant health problems.
