Aging impacts our bodies, including changes in the way our hearts work. By the time we reach our 50s, the chances of heart disease begin to increase for men and women. There are ways to keep your heart healthy as you age. This can increase quality of life and longevity.
Improve Your Diet
Ways to eat healthier include:
- Eating in moderation
- Eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Eating more healthy fats rather than saturated
- Cutting back on red meat and fried foods
- Reducing sugar and cholesterol intake
The DASH diet and Mediterranean diet can be helpful options.
Be More Active
Exercise is incredible for the heart. It improves heart efficiency and helps to lose weight, making the heart not work as hard. Exercise can also keep muscles strong and prevent age-related atrophy. 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity is recommended per week for optimal benefit. Try to find a form of exercise you truly enjoy, so you can stick with it.
Reduce Stress
Stress can be detrimental to health. It increases the chances of heart disease and can increase blood pressure. It’s advisable to find healthy ways to reduce and cope with stress. Options you can try include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Artistic pursuits
- Walking
- Biking
- Talk therapy
Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is a dangerous habit. It can damage the heart and blood vessels. Smoking leads to atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels. This exacerbates age-related vascular issues. Quitting smoking is a way to keep yourself healthier and avoid future problems.
Be Conscientious
One way to stay safe is early detection of problems. Everyone should keep track of their BMI, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Having this information will help you to know if things change. You should get regular checkups from your doctor. Go for urgent care if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or overall weakness.
If you commit to improving your heart health, you will be able to stave off numerous preventable and dangerous issues.