If you feel incredibly young at heart and ready to start the day, it’s good to make sure and keep a healthy heart as you age. Adjusting to the needs of an aging body is essential to staying healthy. Being at risk for conditions like higher blood pressure or a heart attack means it’s important to check blood pressure regularly. To manage heart-related issues, a balance of exercise, diet, and stress reduction can make a big difference. There’s nothing better than being ready to take on the day when you wake up in the morning. 

1. Heart Healthy Exercises for Seniors

Exercise is good medicine, so get your heart set on becoming more physically active!  At The Terrace, there are plenty of ways for people to get great exercise. Movement classes like Rhythm Stick Aerobics and Balance & Flexibility sessions are a great place to start. Even something as simple as taking a stroll through the courtyard surrounded by birds and flowers can keep the heart happy and healthy. 

Aerobic exercise makes our hearts pump more efficiently, which is healthy for our blood vessels. It also trims fat, making it easier for the heart to get blood to the rest of the body. 

Try to make time for two sessions of muscle strengthening per week. The more strength you have in your muscles, the easier your movement classes will be.

 Staying active with community programs, working out in the fitness center, walking, chair yoga, or gardening are all wonderful options to keep yourself healthy.

2. A Balanced Diet 

A heart-healthy diet is another large step in keeping your heart in check. Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, added sugars, and salt while also avoiding unhealthy fats in desserts, red meat, and fried foods. While it may be hard passing up a delicious red velvet cake or sizzling fried chicken, tell yourself it’s for your own benefit.

Some prefer greener vegetables over sweets, and that’s great because both veggies and fruits are a perfect dietary choice. Even foods that are high in fiber, like whole grains, can be delicious and nutritious. It’s important to balance the calories we eat and drink vs the ones we burn off being physically active, as it helps maintain a healthy weight. Even try to limit the portion size, although when it comes to the delicious food the chefs at the Terrace provide, it can be a hard decision to restrict the amount you eat. 

3. Stress Management for Seniors

Stress can be difficult to avoid, but knowing how to maintain it and treat it is a huge step to a happier, healthier life. A positive attitude is beneficial not only for your well-being, but for those around you. It’s important to learn how to manage stress, relax and cope with problems to improve both your physical and emotional health.

Activities can help manage the stress in your life. Some like to vent their musings to their friends or write out their feelings on paper. You can try stress management programs, meditation, or physical activity. It not only helps the heart but the mind as well. One of the most uplifting things you can do is laugh with your friends while watching a movie or listening to your favorite songs. Do whatever healthy habits help you beat back stress. 

Finally, make sure you get enough sleep. As a lot of us know, sleep and stress are closely related. Before bed, you can listen to soft instrumental music that can quickly lull you to sleep. It’s good to quiet your mind before bed and anything as simple as reading a book or taking time to focus on breathing can be beneficial. Be intentional with what you do and be your biggest advocate for living your best life.

A few small changes to your daily routine could make a big difference in your heart health. Contact Linette at the Terrace at 573-875-2538, to learn more about exciting ways to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle that you can feel good about.