Heart disease and other heart-related health problems are significant concerns for seniors and their caregivers. Maintaining a senior's heart health is an effective way to help maintain their quality of life and prevent serious threats to thier health. Once a person develops a heart-related issue or disease, it can affect them in a variety of ways.
Taking some precautions by modifying daily lifestyle choices can significantly impact overall heart health and well-being. The following prevention actions are the key to success in managing or avoiding heart disease and heart-related complications.
Seniors who smoke have a much higher risk of heart disease or heart attack than those who don't. Long-time smokers may need plenty of support and encouragement to reach their goals. In addition to providing them with products that make quitting easier, they should have professional support and advice to make the transition a smooth one.
It is also important to monitor their health and progress by visiting their medical professional periodically. Although there are plenty of smoking aids on the market, some may not be suitable for seniors. A doctor or qualified health professional would be able to recommend a safe alternative that provides the necessary support.
Stress in seniors can create a strain on the heart and make pre-existing conditions worse. The best course of action is to take steps to reduce any current stress. This process can be highly individualized, but keeping them from stressful social gatherings or situations where they feel overwhelmed is a good starting point. Further, they should have ways to unwind that they enjoy, and caregivers can provide them with relaxation techniques they can practice when they feel stressed.
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to improve seniors' heart health is to ensure they have access to a healthy diet. This diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables, in particular, are essential because they are rich in vitamins and minerals, plus they provide a high fiber content that seniors might need.
Fish is also a great addition to their regular diet because it has heart health vitamins and nutrients. Dishes created with fish should be baked and low in fat content. Catfish should be avoided and replaced with fish such as Cod and Salmon. Fruit is also a great option, especially to help replace sweet treats. Try for example to incorporate berries into their meal plan that have antioxidants, such as blueberries.
Seniors who have weight issues will be far more likely to have a heart condition such as heart disease or congestive heart failure. Fad diets shouldn't be used for seniors to control their weight; but rather a diet that reduces calorie intake to recommended amounts. Additionally, healthy foods should be the primary focus, and caregivers should ensure they provide balanced meals high in vitamins and nutrients that support heart health.
Seniors who exhibit obesity may need to work closely with a doctor and nutritionist to ensure they avoid complications with a newly incorporated health diet. They also need to be closely monitored during their weight loss journey to ensure they get the best results. Seniors who are also losing weight due to reduced caloric intake may need close supervision to reduce heart strain and encourage reaching their goal of reaching a healthy weight.
The Body Mass Index or BMI for a senior should not exceed 30. The goal is to keep numbers in a normal range or under 30 percent body fat. Caregivers and high-quality facilities like First Choice Senior Care providing services for seniors should ensure they have a regular meal plan that focuses on heart health and weight management so they have the best health possible and can maintain a good quality of life.
Exercise is crucial for seniors to maintain proper body function, mobility, coordination, and weight. It is one of the primary ways to maintain and improve heart health. The recommended length of activity for seniors is 30 minutes daily. Those individuals with mobility issues should engage in low-impact, seated exercises.
One of the main focus areas for caregivers should be flexibility and range of motion. Exercise can be gradually increased over time to avoid overexertion or injuries. Seniors should also be closely monitored during exercise to avoid falls and mishaps or spot potential medical issues.
Seniors who need to improve heart health should avoid alcohol entirely. Alcohol can impede progress in those who strive to incorporate healthier habits and strain the heart. People with a previous history of alcohol abuse or who drink regularly should be supervised to ensure they don't consume alcohol.
Whether seniors receive care at home or in a supervised facility like First Choice Senior Care, they should be encouraged to improve or maintain their heart health. These steps can also help them avoid other related conditions that can deteriorate their health and overall well-being. Lifestyle changes should be added gradually to make it easy to adopt new habits and reduce stress during the process. If you would like to learn about our team and our services, contact us today to find out more!
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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