Heart health becomes even more important as we reach our senior years. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your heart in good shape. By working these suggestions into your daily routine, you’ll feel healthier, and your heart will function more efficiently.

Get Thirty Minutes of Physical Activity

Doctors recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day. You can start out slowly with a leisurely bicycle ride or hike, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your exercises. Research shows that any type of exercise is beneficial, so look for something you enjoy.

Quit Bad Habits

You may already know that drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are bad for your health, but they’re especially harmful to your heart. By eliminating these habits from your life, you’ll add longevity to your heart. Additionally, reducing sugar and fat intake can help regulate blood pressure and heart function.

Change Your Eating Habits

Eliminating refined sugar and saturated fat is a good start to eating a healthier diet, but there’s more you can do for your heart. Switching to a plant-based meal plan that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains is best. Limit red meats, poultry, and fish portions to a palm-sized serving per meal.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Treating stress may be the easiest change you can make, but it’s also the most important. It’s easy because it simply involves taking the time to meditate, do yoga, or engage in other enjoyable and relaxing activities. By taking a break from the pressures in your life, you’ll be reducing inflammation around the heart caused by stress.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep disorders often interrupt the amount of oxygen your heart processes, which is just one reason getting seven to eight hours of sleep is essential. If sounds or bright lighting is keeping you awake, try using earplugs and eye masks to block external influences. Additionally, you should be shutting down electronic devices at least one hour before bed to give your brain time to adjust. If you’re still having sleeping difficulties, it may be necessary to invest in more comfortable bedding. Your bedroom is one area in which you should feel free to indulge yourself.

It may be easier to change your lifestyle if you live in a community with other health-conscious seniors. At The Arbors Assisted Living, you can find the tranquility and heart-healthy activities that can help you keep your heart in good condition. Contact us today to learn more about what our community has to offer.