February is American heart month! If you look online for heart health tips for seniors, chances are you’ll find a lot of the same old articles recommending diet and exercise. While both are certainly important for senior heart health, they’re not terribly practical. If older people could just hop on a treadmill or fix themselves a salad, they would have done so already.
It’s not that older people don’t want to work out and eat right; it’s just that they face a lot of practical barriers to doing so. That’s why helping maintain heart health for seniors is less about telling them what to do than it is about showing them how to overcome the barriers they face.
Help Seniors Eat Right
Most older people want to eat right in principle, but it’s easier said than done. That’s why the best nutrition tips for seniors focus on identifying and overcoming their specific difficulties.
For example, one of the most common reasons why older people don’t eat heart-healthy meals is that they physically can’t prepare them. Mobility issues like arthritis, impaired coordination and muscle weakness can all make cooking frustrating and even dangerous for them.
One of the best ways to help seniors eat healthy is to get them support, like by prepping healthy meals together that’ll keep in their freezer. In addition, a professional caregiver can both help with light meal prep and provide companionship at mealtimes.
Find Seniors a Way to Exercise (That They Actually Like)
The same mobility issues that make cooking difficult for seniors can also make it hard for them to get enough exercise. Joint pain and stiffness in particular can make many forms of workout very uncomfortable, which can make it very hard for them to find the motivation to do it.
We’ve found that the most effective way to help seniors get the exercise they need is to find them a style of movement that actually feels good for them. Some like gentle, relaxing movements like yoga, tai chi or even simple walks in the park, can also improve their mobility and balance while reducing stress. Others prefer a social occasion by focusing on a sport or going out dancing, which have the added benefit of helping them build social connections and friendships.
Many local community centers offer exercise specifically for seniors. If getting to class is a problem, caregivers can provide a ride and a friendly face that makes new activities less daunting.
Find Seniors Ways to Relax
Stress and the elderly don’t mix well. Being stressed and anxious doesn’t just reduce seniors’ quality of life—it can actually worsen their health by causing hypertension and a variety of other conditions.
Here’s the good news: Engaging in physical movement that we enjoy (or at least tolerate) is one of the best ways to manage stress for people of any age. Exercise just shouldn’t be your loved one’s only way to relieve stress, because that means it’s out of reach if they get sick, injured or too physically tired to work out.
While you’re looking for local workout classes for a senior in your life, it’s also a good idea to look into interest-based programs in your area. Most towns have a community center or senior center that offers a wide variety of classes, social gatherings and trips.
Get Help With Heart Health for Seniors
Seniors face real barriers to improving their heart health, including issues with mobility, transportation, anxiety around trying new activities and more.
A professional caregiver from FirstLight Home Care can be the missing link that helps your loved one achieve their heart health goals with the physical and emotional support to overcome those barriers. Our dedicated caregivers go beyond standard senior care services like help with bathing and dressing, and work to be a genuine friend and trusted companion that your loved one can always count on. They can provide transportation to classes and appointments, support healthier eating habits and make exercises easier by doing them together.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.
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