While heart disease is the leading cause of death among people in the United States, it is not a natural part of aging. The primary reason for this trend is Americans’ increasingly sedentary lives. Fast food, smoking, diabetes, stress, and a lack of access to medical care all play a role. Many seniors wish to age in place, but this can be scary to think about, especially if you can’t visit your seniors often. How do you know if your elderly parents are taking care of themselves? One of the best things you can do to start your senior on a healthier path is to bring in home care to encourage better habits.
Even at an older age, everyone needs to focus on eating well, exercising, and going to the doctor for regular check-ups. Even though these seem like simple tasks, without a routine or a plan, a senior may not make them a priority. Home care providers can help by creating a care plan that focuses on daily habits that can improve heart health. Not only can home care help your parent to make healthier choices, it can also offer reduced stress for you as you can be assured your senior is care for when you can’t be there.
Here are a few of the ways your senior can improve their heart health with the help of home care:
Add-In Extra Vegetables
Fast food can have a negative impact on a senior’s health, but it’s also quick and convenient. Find ways to help the senior meal prep, and don’t forget to add in the extra vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and chicken are healthier alternatives than red meat processed and fatty foods.
Focus On Moving Around
Not all seniors can move as well as they used to, and that’s okay. Finding exercises that a senior can do for at least 30 minutes will be crucial for maintaining heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of gentle activity five or six days a week and muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. Utilize yoga and workout programs or take a quick stroll around the neighborhood.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking
Tobacco use and excessive alcohol use are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic disorders. If you’re a smoker, now is the time to give up. Men should limit themselves to two drinks per day; women should limit themselves to one. Keep in mind that if your senior loves to drink, there are plenty of non-alcoholic wines and cocktails to drink.
Focus on Healthy Sleeping
Each night, seniors should sleep between seven and nine hours. Sleep improves cognitive performance, strengthens the immune system and metabolism, and promotes emotional well-being. This seems simple to focus on, but as a person ages, they may experience more stress than you are aware of, which will impact how much good sleep they get.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Bethesda, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706
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