February is American Heart Month—a great time for seniors to build healthier habits! Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among men and women, and our risk for heart disease increases as we age. That’s why it is especially critical for seniors to monitor heart health and develop habits that can lower risks for cardiovascular disease and improve overall health and well-being.
Know Your Risks
Scheduling annual physical exams is the first step to taking charge of your heart health, as many common conditions that develop as we age, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, can impact your heart. Your doctor will screen for these conditions, listen to your heart and may perform a stress test to monitor for any irregularities that could warrant a referral to a heart specialist. Once you and your doctor know your risks, they can make recommendations for medications and preventative steps you can take to improve your health and protect your heart.
Take Action
They are many proactive steps you can take to reduce your risks of heart disease in addition to taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Smoking quadruples the risk of coronary heart disease, so if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Making changes to your diet is also very important, as the foods you eat affect all aspects of your health. Dieticians and health experts recommended that you:
- Reduce your intake of processed foods with high sugar and sodium content
- Eat foods rich in potassium
- Add healthy fats into your diet by snacking on nuts and seeds and cooking with olive oil or using it to dress your salads
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Limit your alcohol intake
Physical activity and stress reduction are also critical to improving your health and reducing risks. Exercises like walking and yoga improve cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance, help you to maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and help you to relax. Spending time with friends and family and participating in activities you enjoy like gardening, pickleball, attending concerts or hosting a game night are also great ways to reduce stress and improve your mental health.
Turn to Trio
Trio Healthcare facilities are dedicated to supporting the health of our residents. We offer nutritious food options, exercise classes and social activities that help them thrive and live their best lives. If you or someone you know someone is struggling to live independently at home, we can help. We offer compassionate long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, 24/7 skilled nursing care, respite care and more.
For more information on our services, find a location near you.