The name of the game is Senior Jeopardy.
The question: How many Americans die of cardiovascular disease every year. The Answer: Close to a million.
And over 80% of those deaths are among those 65 and older. So, the truth of the matter is, when it comes to heart health, Senior Jeopardy is more reality than game show.
February is National Heart Health Month and the perfect time to zero in on the proactive measures seniors can take to mitigate their risks and stay in the game.
Start With Regular Check Ups
Regular visits to a trusted medical professional are critical at every age, but especially for seniors. Your doctor will check blood pressure among other screens and adjust and monitor medications. They will assess your heart health and decide whether further testing is necessary to make sure your heart is performing as it should.
Be Aware of Warning Signs
Signs of an imminent cardiac event can include:
· Chest pain
· Shortness of breath
· Nausea
· Pain in the upper body, arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
· Sweating
· Dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, get help immediately. Swift action can save your life.
Maintain a Heart Healthy Diet
Your heart does not love food high in sodium, processed meats, saturated fats, and sugary beverages. It will thank you for nuts, seeds, omega-3 fats from seafood, fruits, vegetables and polyunsaturated fats. It is also important to watch those treats and keep your weight in check.
Keep It Moving
You don’t have to start training for a marathon, but maintaining strength and mobility with light to moderate regular exercise will enhance cardiovascular function. Assuming you have no chronic condition that makes physical activity counterintuitive, the CDC has a simple recommendation for seniors: Move more. Sit less. Pretty straightforward.
Put Out That Cigarette
It’s no secret cigarettes are a heart health no-no. But, if you are a longtime smoker, quitting may be easier said than done. There are lots of resources out there that can help. You’ll breathe easier once you stop – literally. Freedom From Smoking, a program offered by the American Lung Association, is a place to start.
Limit Alcohol
Too much alcohol is not your heart’s friend. So, raise a glass to celebrate retirement. And then put it down. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Library of Medicine, moderate drinking for seniors is one drink per day.
Do Your Homework
There is credible heart health information literally everywhere. Keep abreast of the latest information and advances in senior heart health by checking out sources like the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic’s patient education.
Surround Yourself with Friends at Overture
As we age the burden of caring for the family home can become overwhelming. Take the bills and physical demands of the constant upkeep. Add the isolation and loneliness of surroundings that are way too quiet. You have the perfect storm for emotional distress that can negatively impact your heart. Give your heart the boost it needs, literally and figuratively by embracing life at one of Overture’s premier senior living apartment communities.
Book a tour today. A warm and welcoming group of like-minded peers is waiting to take you into their hearts.