Heart disease is a major concern for senior adults, and the risk of a heart attack increases with age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent this from happening. There are several heart disease prevention tips for seniors that you can do on your own or with other friends and peers. You can join a gym, quit smoking, eat healthier, and other heart disease prevention tips.
At Westminster Place in Longview, TX, we welcome seniors who need a little extra care and attention to lead a fulfilling retirement. Our assisted living programs offer spacious floor plans, assistance with daily living needs, medication management, and more. You can practice heart disease prevention tips by simply participating in our social activities, eating healthy meals, and getting plenty of exercise each day.
If you would like more information about our senior assisted living program, call 903.329.6520 today to schedule a consultation and tour. You can also connect with us online.
Why Is Heart Disease So Prevalent in Seniors?
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for people over 65 and is more common in older adults than in the younger generation. It is a type of disease that affects the heart and blood vessels by causing the blood vessels to harden and stop pumping blood. People who are at risk of developing a heart condition smoke, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, eat an unhealthy diet, and don’t get enough exercise during the day.
Types of heart disease or cardiovascular disease include:
- Coronary heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Arrhythmia
- Congenital heart disease
Reports indicate that people between the ages of 60 and 80 have an average of 77-80% risk of having a fatal heart attack.1 If you believe your parents or elderly loved ones are at risk of heart disease, symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Westminster Place is a full-service senior living community where seniors can live out their golden years in comfort and peace. We support heart disease prevention in senior living by creating a detailed care program that includes nutritious meals and snacks, a wellness program, and plenty of social activities throughout the day.
Heart Disease Prevention Tips for Seniors
There are plenty of heart disease prevention tips that can decrease your chances of having a heart attack or other preventable illnesses. Here are some heart disease prevention tips for seniors that you can begin doing today:
Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the best senior heart disease prevention tips is changing what you eat. A healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, lean meat, and healthy fat can greatly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. By doing this, you will feel better, have more energy, get a better night’s sleep, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Seniors who are active and work out five days a week have less chance of heart disease and can maintain their independence for much longer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors over 65 should get:
- 150 minutes of moderate exercise (30 minutes a day for 5 days a week).
- Or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
- Or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous exercise.
- At least 2 days of strength-building exercise.2
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is essential for your health and well-being. You need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your body a chance to heal and recover. Seniors who do not get enough sleep will have problems with memory and staying awake during the day and may feel irritable, fatigued, or lethargic.
Stay Socially Active
Living alone is not good for you, as it can lead to isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. You can prevent this by having an active social life. Senior communities provide residents with a number of social events, such as:
- Arts and crafts
- Book clubs
- Gardening
- Games
- Dance and movie nights
Studies show that people who are more socially active can reduce the risk of heart disease and live longer and fuller lives.
Your Heart Health Is Important to Buckner Westminster Place
Westminster Place welcomes Texas seniors who are looking for a new community to call home. Our assisted living programs include spacious floor plans that you can decorate to make it feel more like home. We will develop a comprehensive program that includes assistance with daily living needs, medication management, nutritious meals and snacks, and other services and amenities. For more information about our community or senior heart disease prevention tips, call 903.329.6520 or contact us online today to speak with our friendly team
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