Staying Active And Enjoying Daily Doses Of Joy Promote Heart Health Among Seniors

Blog  |  February 11, 2021

Heart Health Is An Important Issue For Seniors.

Here in Canada, February is Heart Month. Heart Month is a time to bring attention to the importance of heart health for seniors and what we can to reduce their risk of heart disease. For seniors, this is an especially important issue. All told, heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults every year. It is something we should all be mindful of as we age. 

Taking care of your heart is a crucial part of ageing well. While there are many factors affecting a senior’s cardiovascular health over which we have no control, staying active and finding moments of joy every day can go a long way to a happy (and healthy) heart. 

Seniors Can Take An Active Role In Managing Their Health.

People over the age of 65 (women, in particular) are much more likely to suffer a heart attack, have a stroke, or develop heart disease. In part, this is because of the natural ageing process. The heart is a muscle that can become weaker with age. Lifestyle and other health conditions, like diabetes, can contribute to a decline in heart health, too. 

Luckily, there are many factors affecting heart health over which seniors have control. Diet (nutrition), fitness, and managing stress are a few examples. With the guidance of a trusted healthcare provider and the right in-home supports, senior adults can work towards maintaining good heart health and overall wellness as they age. 

Staying Active Is An Important Part Of Senior Heart Health.

Exercise for seniors is essential to their physical and mental health and well-being. It is especially important for heart health. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, ease stress, elevate the spirit, and help in maintaining a healthy weight. 

Unfortunately, with ageing comes a natural tendency to lose muscle mass, flexibility, and endurance. As a result, some of the activities best suited to promoting a healthy heart like hiking, swimming, dance and cycling may become difficult to do safely without support. 

Exercises for seniors don’t have to be complicated or highly specialized. Keeping things simple and geared to each individual’s physical abilities (with the guidance of health care professionals where needed) offers the best chance of an enjoyable and beneficial experience! When the helping hand and companionship of friends or family are not possible,  our Comfort Keepers are willing and able to promote heart health through exercise. By bringing movement back into the lives of our senior clients, we help elevate the spirit and foster wellness. 

Nurturing The Heart With Nutritious Food 

Because issues like high cholesterol and diabetes affect many senior men and women, diet and nutrition is an essential factor when it comes to heart health. Spending time in the kitchen preparing nutritious meals is not only a wonderful pastime for seniors, but it is also a great way to practice healthy living and self-care. 

Creating healthy versions of family favourites can be a fun challenge. Food is such a nostalgic thing and that is good for the heart on an emotional level. Cooking offers simple pleasures that can be enjoyed actively while chopping or simply breathing in the aromas. 

Stocking a fridge or freezer with healthy meals for the week (or month) is a meaningful way to spend time with a senior loved one. If some hands-on support is needed for things like grocery shopping and meal prep, the services of an in-home senior care service like the ones offered by Comfort Keepers Peterborough can help. Not only can our caregivers help with planning and preparation, but they can also work to support a senior in maintaining a specific food regimen as outlined by a healthcare provider. 

Enjoy A Happy And Healthy Heart By Laughing

A smile can go a long way to lifting the spirit but did you know that laughter is actually good for the health of a heart? Physiologically, laughter leads to higher blood oxygen levels and the release of “happy”, feel-good endorphins. Laughter also lowers stress and has been linked to longevity. 

Too many seniors are missing out on daily doses of joy and laughter because of poor mental health, loneliness, and isolation. Companionship and play are just as important for a happy and healthy heart as physical activity. Spending time with family, friends or a caregiver working on hobbies, playing board games or enjoying a good comedic movie are all wonderful ways to fold the heart-healing power of laughter into the life of a senior. 

Prioritize Heart Health For Seniors By Enjoying Physical Activity And Moments Of Joy

Heart health is an issue of special importance for seniors. While there are many factors out of our control when it comes to heart health, there are some things that seniors and their loved ones can do to promote happy, healthy hearts. Staying physically active, eating a well-balanced diet, and making sure to find joy and laughter every day goes a long way to keeping seniors healthy. If you or a loved one needs the hands-on help of an in-home caregiver, contact Comfort Keepers Peterborough today. We’re here to help! 

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