Heart disease is a major threat to the health of Americans as they get older. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, causing about 25 percent of deaths. And though the risk of developing heart disease increases with age, it does not have to be an inevitable part of life for seniors. A few lifestyle changes and better eating habits can provide protection for your heart well into your senior years.
Eat for Your Heart
A heart-healthy diet will promote healthy blood sugar, lower blood pressure, decreased levels of unhealthy cholesterol, and weight maintenance. Eating the correct foods for your heart is beneficial whether you have already developed one or more of these conditions or you wish to prevent such issues from happening. In the process, you will greatly decrease your risk of suffering a heart attack.
Some foods that should be eaten in moderation or eliminated altogether include:
- Unhealthy fats
- Refined rice, pastas, and bread
- Processed meats
- Pre-packaged foods
- Dairy products with a high-fat content
- Butter and Lard
You can replace these foods with heart-healthy selections like:
- Fatty fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Healthy fats
- High fiber pasta, rice, and breads
- Eggs
- Dark Chocolate
Exercise Every Day
Regular exercise will increase the strength and efficiency of your cardiovascular system. Benefits include better circulation, higher levels of energy, improved quality of sleep, and fat reduction. Adding aerobic exercise to your weekly routine will help manage heart disease or prevent the disease from forming if you do not already suffer from it.
Walking is a great aerobic exercise. You can even try a light jog if you are able or wait until after you have been walking for a few months. Be sure to stretch before you walk or run, and consider light resistance training twice a week.
Be with the Ones You Love
It is never a bad time for you to spend time with family and other people you love. In the process, you will be doing yourself a lot of good. Multiple studies have shown that time with loved ones decreases stress levels in seniors. This stress relief will improve your quality of life both mentally and physically. Stress instigates arterial inflammation that could lead to clogged arteries and arteriosclerosis. Quality time with family can eliminate this stress before such damage to your heart takes place.
Taking care of your health and your heart in your senior years is crucial. That’s why LinC Financial Group helps seniors like you find excellent health insurance, gap-policies, disability plans, and short-term medical care. Call us at 765-323-8416 with any questions, or contact us online by sending us a message.
