Heart disease is fairly common in aging adults, especially among those who have unhealthy habits. You can boost your senior loved one’s heart health by taking the following steps.
1. Encourage Daily Physical Activity
Getting regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. Older adults should aim to get a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You can ensure your loved one reaches this daily goal by encouraging simple exercises such as going for walks or doing stretches. Your parent might feel more motivated to exercise if you offer to accompany him or her on walks or do other physical activities together.
Seniors who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Carmichael home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Prepare Healthy Meals
Foods that are high in saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar, or salt can raise the risk of heart disease. To boost your loved one’s cardiovascular health, consider preparing nutritious meals. Choose foods that are healthy for the heart, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and salmon.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Carmichael, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Schedule Routine Checkups
Seniors should see the doctor regularly to have their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked. High blood pressure or high cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing heart disease. If your loved one has diabetes or another chronic condition that affects the heart, make sure he or she follows the doctor’s orders for managing that disease.
4. Practice Stress Management
Chronic stress can lead to heart disease in older adults. If your loved one experiences stress on a regular basis, suggest stress management techniques such as writing in a journal, meditating, doing deep breathing exercises, or going for a walk outside. These are simple ways for older adults to handle chronic stress and prevent it from affecting their heart health.
5. Promote Good Sleep Habits
Seniors who get a good night’s rest on a regular basis have a lower chance of developing heart disease. Make sure your loved one has a comfortable sleep environment. The bedroom shouldn’t be too warm, and the mattress should be in good condition. You should also encourage your loved one to read before bed rather than watching TV or using a phone or tablet.
Heart disease is one of the most fatal health issues. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Carmichael seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. If your aging parent needs high-quality in-home care, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 485-4663 today.