Eating right and exercising regularly are crucial for senior heart health, but just knowing what to do doesn’t make it easy. Seniors often face a variety of practical barriers like reduced balance, strength and coordination that make it harder for them to get out of the house and get moving.
It’s not that they don’t want to exercise, though—it’s just that they need a little help. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources right here in Whittier to help older people get moving.
Heart-Healthy Activities for Seniors in Whittier
From beautiful city parks and senior-friendly exercise classes to dances and sports leagues, Whittier has plenty of resources to help older people get moving. Here are some of our favorites:
- Take Them For a Stroll
One of the simplest ways for seniors to maintain their heart health is also one of the most effective: Taking a walk outside. On top of boosting their cardio, spending just a little time outside in nature each day has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress—which means lower blood pressure.
In many parts of the country, snow, ice and frigid temperatures mean that walking outside just isn’t an option during the colder months—but not in Whittier. With our famously mild weather, winter is just as good a time for a walk as spring or fall.
It gets better: With 22 municipal parks in Whittier, your loved one is never far from a great spot to enjoy the good weather. With everything from flat urban green spaces perfect for an easy stroll to wilderness parks with easy hiking trails, there are plenty of options to choose from. Our favorite might be the Greenway Trail, a gentle, paved walking/biking trail that runs across town—and has a number of educational stations along the way.
- Help Them Work Out—The Fun Way
Helping seniors get exercise is mostly about two things: reducing barriers and increasing motivation. Traditional workout classes can be difficult and uncomfortable for them—not to mention boring—so one of the best ways to help your loved one maintain their heart health is to find them a form of exercise they actually enjoy.
That’s why Whittier Senior Services offers a wide range of programs that help older people get moving—and have fun doing so. They host gentle exercise classes like Zumba and chair fitness, as well as fun social events like line dancing and walking tours that just happen to include movement.
Whittier is also home to a senior softball team, the Whittier Warriors, who play in an intercity league. Their next season starts on April 3rd, so now’s a great time to help your loved one sign up!
- Find Them Some Community Support
Unlike other illnesses, heart diseases are often conditions that can’t be cured—only managed. It’s doable with the help of a good doctor, but over the months and years, it can take a real emotional toll. The ongoing stress and loneliness don’t just feel bad, they also strain the body, increasing blood pressure and worsening other symptoms of heart disease.
If your loved one is struggling with the emotional burden of heart disease, there’s one tried and true way to help: giving them someone to talk to about it who really understands. As simplistic as it might sound, the simple act of being heard can make the stress and loneliness of heart disease a lot more bearable.
That’s why organizations like Mended Hearts of Whittier host regular support groups for people struggling with heart disease. The exact nature of those groups can vary a lot, from discussion circles to one-on-one chats to online discussions. There are even less formal social gatherings that focus on building relationships and having fun with other survivors as people.
Regardless of the style of discussion, all of these groups can dramatically reduce stress by reminding your loved one that a rich, rewarding life is possible even while managing a heart condition.
Get Support for Heart Health in Whittier
It can be challenging for older people to care for their hearts, but it’s a lot easier in Whittier than it is in most other places. From beautiful year-round spots for a walk to a supportive community, there are plenty of ways to help your loved one maintain their heart health in Whittier.
If a senior in your life needs a little more help maintaining their heart health, FirstLight Home Care of Whittier is here for them. In addition to helping with everyday activities like bathing and dressing, our caregivers can cook delicious meals, offer transportation and even act as a workout buddy.
Interested in learning more about how our caregivers can help your loved one care for their heart health? Contact us today.
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