International Day for Older Persons: Stay Young at Heart

The heart is one of the most crucial parts of our body. But due to various lifestyle factors heart can age faster than your age and can make the advanced years full of pains and discomforts. A healthy and well-balanced diet plays a vital role in making your heart happy and healthy but there are other various factors that are also responsible for deciding your heart health. A young heart at old age not only decreases the risk of various health complications but also make you positive, happy and contented. Here are some easy ways to keep your heart young for joyful and healthy years to go.

• Be active: Keeping yourself physically active is one of the great ways to keep your heart in fine fettle. When you exercise, the pumping power of your heart enhances which helps in the increased circulation of blood inside the body. Regular exercising keeps a tab on your cholesterol levels, blood pressure levels, weight while de-stressing your mind and fuelling up your energy levels. 20-30 minutes of regular exercising (aerobics, brisk walking, jogging, running, yoga and Zumba) can do wonders on your heart health.
• Incorporate good fats in your diet: The crucial micronutrient ‘fat’ is extremely vital for the body in order to run smoothly. Adding good fats in your diet is extremely important as it helps in energising the body, protects the organs from damage, greases your joints and helps your body absorb various essential nutrients. So, instead of eliminating fats from your diet, try to incorporate natural sources of good fats. Nuts and seeds, fatty fishes, avocados, almond oil, olive oil and sunflower oil are all rich in good fats.
• Stop smoking and alcohol: Excessive smoking and consumption of alcohol can build a plaque near your arteries and can lead to clogged arteries and blood vessels. This can further hamper the circulation of blood and can increase the chances of heart attack, strokes and kidney damages. So, always keep an eye on the consumption of alcohol and smoking and if you are in a habit of consuming it on a regular basis, try to speak to a health expert.
• Add plenty of fruits and veggies: Fruits and veggies are the zest of a healthy mind and body. Fruits and veggies are filled with essential vitamins and minerals that can amp up your health while re-fuelling your energy levels. Swapping unhealthy foods from nutritious fruits and veggies can keep you in fine fettle, no matter what! The dietary fibre found in fruits and veggies can lower the risk of various heart diseases and helps in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Footnote

It is a well-known saying “small steps can make a big difference.” Taking small steps now to keep your heart healthy can save you from various health complications at an older age while filling you up with energy and putting big smiles on your face.