Five signs of good heart health seniors should watch for daily include a steady resting heart rate, a normal blood pressure reading, consistent energy levels, and easy breathing during daily activities. Proper oral hygiene also helps promote better cardiovascular health.
The risk of cardiovascular disease is more prevalent with age, and the American Heart Association estimates that approximately 45 million U.S. adults will have the disease by 2050. Contributing risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Seniors can avoid this by recognizing signs of good heart health, including a stable resting heart rate, normal blood pressure readings, and proper breathing during daily activities. Noting these positive daily signs, which should also include consistent energy levels and proper oral care, empowers proactive wellness.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help facilitate this through a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. It is a behavioral change that is easily achievable in Prescott Valley, AZ, where older adults can take advantage of abundant outdoor recreation in the beautiful Prescott National Forest. Residents of Glassford Place also have access to nutritious meals and a variety of wellness activitieswithin their vibrant, beautiful senior living community.
The National Institute on Aging states that the heart and blood vessels change with age, noting that older adults should regularly check their blood pressure and cholesterol levels to prevent serious health issues. Seniors should also be aware of the signs of good heart health for proactive prevention, better quality of life, and independence.
The five key indicators of a healthy heart include:
A normal resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute signals efficient cardiac function, and is often lower in fit seniors. You can check your resting heart rate daily by:
The calculation will give you the beats per minute of your heart rate. Ideally, you should do it first thing in the morning, after sitting quietly for five minutes. Although manual checks are generally considered the best, wearable devices or apps can also track your heart rate; however, accuracy may vary.
Heart rate awareness helps identify changes that signal health issues. A steady resting heart rate indicates a strong heart muscle.
Regular exercise helps seniors maintain physical function, brain health, and cardiovascular wellness. It significantly reduces the risks of falls and heart disease. If you struggle to breathe during daily activities, even moderate exercises will be difficult.
Effortless breathing during brisk walks or while climbing up and down stairs indicates robust oxygen delivery. You should be able to perform the latter or 'stairs test' daily, without shortness of breath. How fast and how regularly you climb is strongly linked to lower risks of heart failure and cardiovascular disease, according to Harvard Health.
In addition to outdoor recreation in the state's national forest, Prescott Valley hosts concerts, sports, historical tours, rodeo, and premier horse racing. If any of these interest you, you should ensure you have the energy to enjoy them.
Sustained energy for shopping or chores without midday fatigue shows effective blood pumping. You can conduct daily self-assessments by noting how often you complete routines without exhaustion.
Consistent energy levels enhance physical, emotional, and mental well-being by allowing for:
This ultimately leads to a higher quality of life and longer independent living by supporting muscle, heart, and brain health.
Daily blood pressure check-ins showing readings at or below 120/80 mmHg are typically indicative of good cardiovascular health. If you're testing at home using a cuff:
Share your readings with your doctor to understand what's normal for you, as blood pressure fluctuates.
Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that hardens arteries and increases plaque, contributing to heart disease. Healthy aging tips related to proper oral care include:
Visit your dentist at least twice yearly for cleanings and early issue detection.
Senior health habits that are essential for a strong heart include a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Incorporate the following into your weekly routine:
Ensure activities are low-impact and moderate intensity, but always consult a doctor first to tailor a plan.
Seniors know their heart is getting stronger through noticeable improvements, such as more energy, less breathlessness, and faster heart rate recovery after activity. They may also notice steady blood pressure and better stamina during daily tasks, alongside other signs, including a lower resting pulse and healthier cholesterol/blood sugar levels, all confirmed through regular doctor visits and fitness tracking.
Four signs a person's heart is quietly failing may include persistent fatigue, unexplained shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs or ankles, also known as edema. Some individuals may also experience sudden weight gain.
These symptoms can occur when the heart is struggling to pump blood, resulting in fluid buildup and lower energy. Other signs include difficulty breathing while lying down, rapid heartbeat, decreased exercise tolerance, or even digestive issues.
The signs of good heart health outlined above are great empowerment tools for enhancing your overall well-being. They can also serve as motivation for adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.
Glassford Place makes achieving both easy for residents with their signature lifestyle programs. Create your personalized schedule of wellness activities through our Vibrant Life® program and enjoy healthy homestyle meals with our Elevate® dining experience. Schedule a tour to learn how we help you promote lifelong heart health.