Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Among the elderly, an unhealthy heart can cause lower quality of life and premature death. However, it doesn’t have to be a struggle to maintain healthy heart practices, even in old age. Here are some tips on how you can stay heart-healthy as you age.
Form New Habits
It can be challenging to form new habits when you’re older. However, maintaining a healthy routine is essential for keeping your heart healthy and living longer. The first step to creating new habits is to quit old ones. If you smoke and drink regularly, try to kick these habits first and replace them with healthier alternatives. Even for just twenty minutes a day, maintaining regular exercise can dramatically improve your heart health. Try asking relatives or friends to exercise with you or try new hobbies together to break yourself from your old routine.
Eat Right
Did you know your gut has a nervous system of its own? The food you put into your body directly influences your cardiovascular health. If you regularly experience gut pain, you may be allergic to something in your everyday diet. Re-vamp your diet to focus on heart-healthy foods low in fat and high in vitamins. Nutrient-rich vegetables and whole grains are great choices. Stay away from high-fat foods, added sugars, and refined grains. If you’re struggling with a new diet, try inviting friends and family to eat healthy with you. Use healthy eating to bring people together; staying social and active is essential for maintaining your mood and energy levels.
Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy heart. If you notice you’re waking up in the middle of the night suddenly, or your snoring affects your quality of sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when your breathing stops during sleep. Sleep apnea can damage your heart health and is often associated with low blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure. A sleep apnea machine can help you get better rest, giving you more energy throughout the day. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and ask your doctor if you continue to have trouble falling or staying asleep at night.
Medical Treatments
If you’ve suffered a heart attack in the past or recently, your doctor may recommend other forms of treatment alongside changes in your day-to-day habits. When it comes to cardiovascular medical technology, silicone medical implants such as pacemakers have saved lives and improved the quality of life for many older adults worldwide. Manufacturers such as Avantor use “silicones of the highest purity and long term stability for medical implant applications,” so you know you can trust the devices supporting your heart as you get older. These medical devices can drastically improve your health and help you live the life you want.
Maintain Regular Check-Ups
Even if you have a medical device helping maintain your heart, staying in touch with your doctor and monitoring yourself is essential. Keeping track of your blood pressure and vitals is important for noticing any changes in your health as you age. However, maintaining regular checkups with your doctor is the best way to understand your health trends over time. Doctors will recommend changes to your diet and
routine, but more importantly, they can recommend surgeries or other treatments that you may not know you need.
These are some basic ways to keep your heart healthy in old age. It’s never too late to strengthen your heart and improve your quality of life.
My name is Ally, a mother of 3 adorable angels – Tom, Clara and Tanya. Having worked with children and families in a variety of capacities for the past 30 years, I am a child development specialist. My career as a child and family therapist began with my training as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist.