Tribute Homes’ Healthy Heart Tips for Seniors

Tribute Homes understands the importance of a healthy heart in seniors. With heart disease leading the way for deaths among people over the age of 50, our active adult community building mission is to provide living environments that foster active and healthy lifestyles which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are a few tips we came up with for maintaining a strong, healthy heart in your senior years:

Exercise
Cardio exercise is one of the best things you can do to remain healthy and your heart will thank you for it. Activities such as walking, jogging and swimming are ideal ways to strengthen the heart muscle and increase endurance. Cardiovascular workouts also help with weight management by raising metabolism and increasing circulation which can deter weight gain and painful circulatory issues in the future.

Eat Healthy
We know it’s all been said before, but diet and nutrition play a vital role in the health of your heart. That said again, seek out healthy foods that compliment your body and lifestyle. Drink a good amount of water and choose diets rich in fiber. Caffeine, sugar, salt and junk food should be kept to a minimum with fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats making up most of your diet.

Don’t Smoke
Smoking isn’t just bad for the lungs it’s also a major contributor of arteriosclerosis and heart disease and should be avoided at all costs. Smoke diminishes and reduces the amount of oxygen in your body, reducing activity levels and leaving you with an increased risk for heart problems.

Relax and De-stress
Stress can lead to a host of physical problems including the sudden onset of a stroke or heart attack. It is critically important as seniors to find positive ways to deal with and eliminate stressful situations and allow your body to relax and enjoy what it was made for – healthy living! Yoga, meditation, listening to nature sounds and soothing music have powerfully calming effects that are great for relieving stress and tension.

Go Light on the Alcohol
Drinking small amounts of alcohol can be beneficial for the heart, but too much of a good thing is not so good for seniors. One drink per day for women and up to two per day for men is sufficient. More than that can lead to an increased risk for heart disease. Another common ailment in seniors is the tendency toward dehydration and because alcohol is a diuretic that causes the release of vital body water, moderate intake is highly recommended.
Here’s to your heart’s health!

Tribute Homes builds 55+ communities for active senior adults in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website at www.tributehomesusa.com or give us a call at (800) 381-2984.