Heart health is paramount for the aging population, and it’s vital for seniors to develop habits that support a healthy cardiovascular system. Below is a list of weekly habits that can help your aging loved one maintain his or her heart health.
Make Fitness a Hobby
Encourage your loved one to make fitness a hobby, like walking the dog or gardening. Moderate exercise increases blood circulation, helps seniors control their weight, prevents bone loss, makes it easier to sleep at night, and increases energy. Looking at physical fitness as a hobby instead of a chore will help your loved one stay on track to meet his or her fitness goals and prevent diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Phoenix families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Write a Smart Shopping List
A large part of maintaining heart health is following the right kind of diet. Sit down with your loved one and write a smart shopping list to help him or her stay on track while at the store. The list should include foods like avocados and fish, which are high in polyunsaturated fats, fruits and vegetables, whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates, and limited red meat.
Managing all the aspects of a loved one’s health, including diet, can be challenging for a family caregiver. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional in-home care. Phoenix, AZ, 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.
Practice Continued Stress Management
If not properly managed, stress can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Although more research is needed to determine a definitive link between stress and heart disease, it’s believed that stress can increase the risk. To manage stress, your loved one can try meditation and calming exercises like yoga or tai chi or even get regular massages.
Monitor Sodium Intake
A high-sodium diet can raise blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most significant risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. If your loved one enjoys salty snacks or cured luncheon meats, explain the cardiovascular benefits of eating them only in moderation. If your efforts are unsuccessful, make an appointment with a nutritionist, who can explain the benefits of eating a low-sodium diet. The nutritionist can also recommend healthy and flavorful foods that appeal to your loved one’s palate.
If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits that promote better cardiovascular health, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare services. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
