Today’s seniors are more active than ever. Older adults are traveling in huge numbers, living longer, and staying healthier than previous generations. The American Heart Association recommends seniors get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise every week. If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your elderly loved one’s heart health, here are a handful of activities he or she can do each week.
Yoga
Yoga doesn’t count toward the AHA’s recommended level of weekly physical activity, but it does increase flexibility, lung capacity, and circulation. It also reduces blood pressure and supports healthy respiratory function. Yoga has been proven to prevent heart disease and offers benefits to seniors who have already experienced heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems.
If your loved one needs help adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, a professional caregiver can be a fantastic resource. At-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Gardening
Tending to a garden isn’t just an enjoyable pastime. It also has health benefits. Studies have found gardening can reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, and provide an enjoyable form of low-impact exercise. A study of 4,000 seniors even found gardening can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 30 percent and prolong life.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest ways seniors can boost their heart health. There are many ways to increase the amount of time seniors spend walking, whether they walk a few blocks to the store instead of driving or take morning walks with a friend. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes.
A professional caregiver with training in healthy lifestyle practices can be a wonderful source of information and encouragement for your loved one. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Portland elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Swimming
Lap swimming and water fitness classes are low-impact and among the most heart-healthy forms of exercise. In the water, people only have to support 10 percent of their total body weight, which takes stress off aching joints while increasing muscle strength, lowering blood pressure, and boosting circulation.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that may involve deep breathing or just quiet contemplation. Along with reducing stress, meditation has been found to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are many forms of meditation, including transcendental meditation, mindful meditation, and even prayer. When your loved one finds a form of meditation that works well, he or she should aim for at least 10 minutes of meditation every day to support a healthy mind and body.
A professional caregiver can provide additional support for your efforts to help your loved one adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Portland, ME, Align Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Align Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (207) 835-3490 to learn more about our customized care plans.