Having a healthy, active lifestyle is important at any age. Yet as we get older, simple choices like what we eat and how active we are have an enormous impact on our health. No matter your age, diet and exercise are keys to heart health.
But with every year of your life, these lifestyle choices play an increasingly important role in how well you age. As your body changes, so do its needs. Here are some tips for staying healthy heart in your “golden years”.
Tips to Get Healthy Heart in Golden Years
1Maintain a low-fat, low-salt diet full of fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Remember, your body’s daily energy needs slowly decrease as you get older. So you need fewer calories a day than when you were younger.
Plaque buildup can naturally occur in the arteries over time. However, by eating heart-healthy foods can help slow this process, reducing risk for heart attack and stroke.
2Never underestimate the power of exercise!
Research showed that baby boomers are less physically active than previous generations. And not surprisingly, have higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic disease.
By getting active, you can reduce your risk for these conditions, while boosting your energy and mood. Hormone changes can make your body prone to depositing more body fat and less muscle. So it’s important to limit your fat intake (especially saturated fats) and do muscle strengthening activities.
Most older adults need about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity—like walking—at least five days a week. If you’re not physically active or if you have heart disease, talk with your doctor about activities that are right for you.
When it comes to physical activity and diet, small changes can add up to big benefits. Challenge yourself to make simple changes you can build on for a healthier heart.
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