Aging individuals may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, raising their risks for heart attack and stroke. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the lack of heart-healthy treatment options can diminish the elderly person's quality of life. Fortunately, an assisted living facility can provide the necessary care that may enhance cardiovascular health. Here are some interventions that the staff at an assisted living facility can offer your aging loved one to help promote optimal cardiovascular health.

Heart-Healthy Meal Options

In accordance with the aging adult's physician's recommendations and personal food choices, the dietary department staff at the assisted living facility can prepare nutrient-dense heart-healthy foods for the resident. Heart-healthy meal plans may include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fresh fish to help promote a healthy blood lipid profile, maintain a healthy weight, and keep blood pressure from rising too high.

Heart-healthy meal plans may also contain a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. In addition to nutrient-dense foods, the primary care physician may recommend a low sodium diet to help prevent hypertension, which is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Some elderly individuals have preexisting medical conditions which cause a poor appetite, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies, which may raise the risk for heart problems such as cardiac arrhythmia. Providing these residents with delicious and nutritious can help them look forward to mealtimes so that they can consume more calories and nutrients.

Activity Programs

Assisted living activity programs help promote cardiovascular ways in a number of different ways. Activity programs often include aerobic exercise activities that can enhance cardiovascular healthy by strengthening the heart muscle, reducing blood pressure, promoting restorative sleep patterns, and helping with weight management. In addition, it is thought that depression and social isolation may play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Activity programs allow assisted living residents to socialize with each other so that they are not alone in their rooms all day. Forging new relationships and making friends with the other residents can promote feelings of well-being, which may further promote a healthy heart. Many activity programs also include pet therapy. It is thought that exposure to animals may lower blood pressure, reduce depression, provide companionship, and relieve anxiety, to further enhance cardiovascular health. 

If you want to learn more about how your senior loved one can enjoy optimal cardiovascular healthy, call an assisted living representative. They will answer your questions and address your concerns pertaining to therapeutic interventions, financial options, available skilled nursing treatments, and bed availability. 

For more information on assisted living, contact a professional near you.

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