Eating right and exercising regularly are crucial for older people’s heart health, but those good habits can be challenging for them to keep. It’s not that seniors don’t care about their health; they just face a lot of practical barriers that make it hard for them to care for their hearts.
For example, mobility issues like arthritis and joint pain can disrupt traditional workout routines, and they often make cooking uncomfortable and even hazardous. However, there’s good news: There are plenty of resources to help right here in Monmouth County.
Here are some of our favorites:
Heart Health Resources for Seniors in Monmouth County
From healthy meals available to order and comfortable spots to walk indoors to prompt and proactive help getting rid of snow and ice, Monmouth County has a wide range of resources for senior heart health. These are some of the best options:
- Find Them Somewhere to Walk Indoors
One of the best ways for older people to maintain their heart health also happens to be one of the simplest: Taking a walk. Not only does it give them an easy way to keep up their cardio, balance and coordination, it also has significant mental health benefits. Just a ten-minute walk outside each day has been shown to improve mood and outlook and reduce stress—and that means lower blood pressure.
However, walking outside can be difficult and hazardous during the winter. Snow and ice can block walkways or make them treacherous. Even when sidewalks are clear, the cold alone can make the idea of heading outside unappealing.
However, there are plenty of great spots for an indoor stroll in Monmouth County. One of our favorites is Bell Works, an old Bell Labs office park that has been repurposed into a lively mall, indoor park and event venue—and it just happens to be the ideal spot for an easy walk.
The huge, airy atriums of Bell Works offer all the mood-enhancing natural light of the great outdoors with none of the ice and slush. The broad, unobstructed walkways mean there’s nothing to trip over, and the plentiful seating scattered around the building means your loved one will always have a spot to rest when they need one.
- Get Them a Satisfying Meal
One of the reasons seniors often struggle to stay on a heart healthy diet is that it’s often a struggle for them to get enough food at all. As we age, our ability to perceive hunger diminishes, but that doesn’t mean we actually need less food. On top of that, coordination problems can make the physical acts of cooking and eating challenging, while the nausea and dry mouth caused by many medications can make most food feel unappealing.
When your loved one is struggling to eat at all, needing to keep to a restrictive diet can be too much to handle. It’s not enough to find them food they can eat—they need healthy meals they actually want to eat.
Fortunately, there are plenty of eateries in Monmouth County that offer light, delicious meals that actually feel satisfying. One of our favorites is Saladworks, which will build you a custom salad made from fresh, healthy ingredients. Try getting your loved one two or three salads to store in the fridge. As long as you request dressing on the side, they’ll keep pretty well.
- Shovel Their Snow For Them
Shoveling snow is painful and hazardous for older people, but those aren’t the only reasons they should avoid it: It’s also one of the most common heart attack triggers. While a little light cardio on a regular basis is great for older people’s heart health, prolonged, intense exercise can put too much strain on their systems—especially in cold weather.
The only way to keep an ambitious senior from getting out the shovel is to beat them to the punch. Unless you live with your loved one, though, it can be a real challenge to handle their snow before they do.
That’s why it’s a good idea to subscribe for a residential snow removal service like The Grounds Guys. When the weather outside gets frightful, these companies show up promptly to plow and salt their customers’ driveways and walks. Some of them will even pre-treat your driveway whenever the forecast calls for snow to prevent it from icing over.
Find a Partner for Heart Health in Monmouth County, NJ
Maintaining heart-healthy behaviors can be challenging for older people, but the resources available in Monmouth County can make it a lot easier. From good spots for an indoor stroll to practical help managing snow and ice, there are plenty of options to help your loved one keep up their heart health.
If a senior in your life needs a little help taking care of their heart, FirstLight Home Care of Monmouth County is here for them. In addition to helping with everyday tasks like bathing, cooking and dressing, they can also offer transportation and act as a trusted walking buddy and companion your loved one can lean on for support.
Want to learn more about how our caregivers can help your loved one maintain their heart health? Contact us today.
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