Cardiac Health: 5 Ways to Ensure You Stay Healthy After 50

Once you hit a certain age, heart health needs to be the main focus. Having a healthy heart is up to a lot of different factors including diet and genetics, but there are steps you can take to have better control of your physical wellbeing. It might seem like an uphill task at times, but with diligence and patience, you can keep your heart healthy a long time.

1. Exercise

Across the board, the healthiest thing you can do for your heart is to keep moving. Sitting can cause long-term damage and lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Incorporating exercise, even a little bit, can make a dramatic difference to your health. Work with your healthcare provider to see what the best option would be for you. For some, gentle walks around the neighborhood might be sufficient. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not look for local dance classes or some form of group cardio like jogging? It can be a great way to meet new people while keeping your heart healthy.

2. Monitor your weight

Weight is a major factor in heart health so keeping an eye on the scale is a good idea. There’s no need to be obsessive, but knowing if it is a factor for your heart is important to know because you can design exercise and diet plans accordingly. Joining a gym may also help since you can get personal training that is designed specifically for you. Ensuring you see your healthcare provider on a regular basis can do a great deal in terms of prevention and control. Try to schedule appointments every 3-6 months to see if you’re on the right track, monitor progress, and so that any issues can be flagged ahead of time.

3. Don’t give up on sleep

Believe it or not, sleep has a major impact on your health. Not getting enough sleep doesn’t just lead to heart issues down the line, but it can also lead to lowered cognitive issues and a host of other problems. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep at the minimum each day, and try to follow a regular bedtime. If you have trouble adhering to a regular schedule, your phone might help. For example, iPhones have a ‘bedtime’ feature where they calculate the amount of sleep needed and set rolling alarms as needed. You can also get apps across iPhone and Androids that can do this as well as monitor your sleep patterns to flag any behavior that might be causing you to sleep less (such as tossing and turning etc.)

4. Detox yourself and your surroundings

This is especially important if you live in a more urban area. Pollution, noise, and a host of other airborne issues can lead to lowered heart health, trouble breathing and other issues. Some of the ways to mitigate this is to get an air purifier in your house to help clean your air a little bit. Also vacuuming regularly, and keeping dust at bay will do a lot to alleviate this issue. These steps, plus taking multivitamins and supplements to help boost your immune system and will go a long way in helping you stay healthier for longer.

5. Go for healthy snacks

It might be tempting to go for the bag of chips every time you want to nibble on something, but why not try to swap for these healthier alternatives? One alternative is nuts which are packed with nutrients that can keep your heart healthy. For example, walnuts are a good source of Omega-3, which helps protect your heart. Plus, they can help lower cholesterol while keeping you full. Or if you're looking for small dietary changes to make, try incorporating more flaxseeds. These also contain a lot of Omega-3 and are a great addition to breakfast foods and salads. These are just some of the ways to keep your heart healthy. Mostly, it is about keeping a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and ensuring you see your doctors are regular intervals to stay on top of your health. With some lifestyle changes, you can be on your way to a healthier body.