As we age, heart health becomes more and more difficult to maintain. The risk of developing heart disease goes up with age, and it often becomes harder for older individuals to remain active without assistance. Below, we will discuss some heart-healthy activities for aging adults.
Why Being Heart-Healthy is Important
For many older individuals, being heart-healthy is essential to living longer, and having a higher quality of life. Poor heart health can contribute to high or low blood pressure, cholesterol issues, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Working to strengthen your heart can make you feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic. Improving heart health can also make co-morbid conditions such as diabetes more manageable. Overall, being heart-healthy makes life easier and safer.
Heart-Healthy Walking
Walking is one of the best low-impact activities that can make a big difference. Walking engages the heart, lungs, and many muscle groups to exercise the body. A single step engages approximately 200 muscles in the body. Depending on your loved one’s capabilities, you have different options for a walk. Consider taking them on a walk around the block or even through a local park. For parks, look for well-paved paths with benches for breaks.
Laughter
Laughter is the best medicine. While it may not cure everything, laughter is a heart-healthy activity. It is associated with lowering high blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and increasing lung capacity. Additionally, laughing is good for increasing mood and reducing mental health factors such as depression and anxiety. While we wouldn’t consider a comedy club a gym, laughing at a favorite comedy special or movie could make a difference in heart health.
Heart-Healthy, Low-Impact
Yoga, Tai Chi, and water-aerobics classes are great ways to engage in heart-healthy exercise. These low-impact activities are easier on the muscles and joints, making them a great fit for aging individuals. Consider signing up your loved one for a few classes. Some yoga and tai-chi exercises can also be done at home.
Home Activities That Are Good for the Heart
Chores may not be fun, but some can be heart-healthy. Activities that get you moving can make a difference in cardiovascular health. While not as impactful as directly exercising, doing laundry, cleaning, gardening, and other household chores can still affect heart health. Put on some music and get the blood flowing.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
