You’ve heard for years about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise for seniors’ heart health. You’ve probably heard a lot less talk about how to help seniors overcome the practical barriers that stop them from following through on that advice.
Difficulties with mobility, energy levels and joint pain can all make exercise a challenging prospect for older people, while reduced coordination and appetite make it hard for them to cook and eat healthy meals.
But there’s good news: Licking County offers seniors plenty of resources to help maintain their heart health. Here are some of the best options:
Heart-Healthy Activities for Older People in Licking County, OH
If a senior in your life needs help maintaining their heart health, Licking County has plenty to offer them. From fun and interesting indoor spaces to explore with grandkids to authentic Italian meals ready to bake at home, the Newark area has a wide variety of options. Here are some of our favorites:
- Take Them On an Indoor Adventure
To maintain their heart health, it’s crucial for older people to stay physically active, but it’s not always easy for them to motivate themselves. Traditional exercise programs tend to be boring and uncomfortable, and the short days and chilly weather we get during the winter can make it hard to get outside.
Sometimes, the single best thing you can do for your loved one’s heart health is to find them a way to get moving that they actually enjoy. While a stroll outside might not be an appealing prospect, there are plenty of indoor venues that provide a great walk and entertainment. One of the best options is The Works, a family-friendly art, science and history museum in Newark which has a wide and rotating variety of fun exhibits.
They’ve got rotating art installations, live glassblowing exhibitions and a planetarium, all under the same roof. History buffs will love the tribute to Newark native Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world, as well as Lock #9 in the old Erie Canal, which they’ve converted into a monument. It’s the same amount of exercise as a healthy walk, but doesn’t feel like an obligation—it feels like an opportunity to discover something.
As long as your loved one has an active mind, they’ll have plenty to enjoy at The Works—especially since seniors enjoy discounted tickets.
- Find Them a Healthy Meal
With difficulties like dry mouth, reduced appetite and impaired coordination, many seniors struggle to take in enough food. One of the best ways to entice them to eat is to make sure they have prepared meals they actually like at home—but that can be challenging when they’ve been prescribed a heart-healthy diet that restricts their options.
Luckily, our area has plenty of resources that can help. In addition to well-stocked grocery stores, we also have shops like Palumbo’s Italian Market that specialize in preparing delicious, healthy meals, packaged for your loved one to bake at home.
- Consult the Experts
In addition to lifestyle changes, having expert support is key to maintaining heart health. In particular, the Heart Failure Clinic at Licking Memorial Hospital provides an impressive array of tools to help manage heart health.
Their experienced team teaches how to recognize symptoms before they get worse and give specialized resources that seniors can use. They offer customized management plans, charts for tracking important vitals, educational materials and more.
Get Professional Assistance in Licking County
For older people, staying heart-healthy can be a challenge, but the resources available in Licking County can make it a lot easier. With fun places to explore indoors, delicious prepared meals ready to order and world-class cardiologists offering preventative and emergency care, the Newark area is a great place for senior heart health.
Does a senior in your life need a little extra help caring for their heart? If so, FirstLight Home Care of Licking County is here for them. Our kind and compassionate caregivers can assist with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing and even cooking to help older people stay engaged and eat right. They can even offer your loved one transportation and a steady arm to lean on, so they can stay active and keep exploring.
Ready to learn what our caregivers can do to help your loved one stay heart-healthy? Contact us today!
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