What Are The Best Heart Healthy Exercises?

A healthy heart is the key to overall fitness, especially as people age. The heart is a muscle and when it’s in good condition, it will help all other parts of the body work in synch including blood flow.   However, what was appropriate exercise for someone when they’re 20 may not be appropriate when they are 60. Seniors should choose heart healthy exercises that focus on well-rounded approach as opposed to strength training. Here are the best heart healthy exercises for seniors:
  1. Walking. All that is required to improve heart health is five thirty-minute walks a week. Walking doesn’t require too much physical strain or stress and is great for the heart and for the lungs, and other muscles. It can be done during any season – winter birds can walk in a mall or find their local senior center to walk through. Plus, it’s great for senior socialization – just grab a friend and get to it!

  2. Swimming. This low-impact exercise is near perfect for seniors. The water provides soothing support while the entire body is worked out. Since swimming is so low impact, there is very little risk for seniors to complicate or damage some other part of their body during the workout. It, too, can be a social activity.

  3. House cleaning and gardening. Walking around, bending, lifting (properly), and gardening are all great ways for a senior to work their heart. Also consider stretching while watching television, taking the dog out for extra long walks, stretching while talking on the phone, climbing an extra set of stairs when doing laundry, etc.

  4. Weight training. Many people think that weight training is just for the young. This isn’t true at all. Seniors, especially, will benefit from weight training. The important thing to note about weight training is that seniors should talk to their doctor about what is right for them, and not to exceed their limitations or they could damage muscles.

  5. Yoga. Those who participate in yoga experience not just an increase in heart health but also a boost in brain power, mood, and emotional wellbeing.

Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with in-home senior care and assisted living services since 1996. If you are a senior living in the Morris area, and would like to learn more about in-home care in Essex, or about other elder care services in Morris, contact the Always Best Care Morris location at 862-772-7047 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!

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