Heart-Healthy Living for Seniors: REDFEB & Beyond

This February marks REDFEB, where we invite you to wear RED to show your support in raising awareness for heart disease or simply holding space for someone close to your heart.

Anything red works - whether it be a red hat, red shirt or red shoes! The more awareness we raise, the more lives we save.

Despite over $36.7 million in research funds being raised since Heart Research Australia's inception, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia. Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 (past menopause) are more susceptible to experiencing a sudden heart event or attack.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain in the upper body
• Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath

Heart disease often develops over time due to lifestyle factors, genetics, or an underlying health condition.

Risk factors can vary so it's important to try and manage any of the following if you are experiencing them:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress

Up to 80% of heart disease cases in Australia could still be prevented by addressing lifestyle decisions such as smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet or excessive alcohol consumption.

The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk and maintain a healthy heart. Even making small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference.

1. Stay Active
   Staying active can be as simple as going for a walk, stretching your legs or even gardening. It doesn't have to be a workout to have a positive impact on your health. BallyCara offers individual or group exercise sessions tailored to your fitness levels, including gentle yoga, chair exercises or even Tai Chi.
2. Keep a Balanced Diet
   Eating a nutritious diet by incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods can support your blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiovascular health. Keeping your water intake up and staying hydrated helps maintain proper circulation and supports healthy blood pressure.
3. Get regular Health Checks
   Getting regular check-ups with your doctor to assess your heart health can help catch heart disease early or give you the reassurance that there are no underlying issues. If in doubt, see your GP to discuss how you can keep your heart happy.
4. Limit Unhealthy Habits
   Quitting unhealthy habits like smoking isn't easy and takes time, but acknowledging you have an unhealthy habit is the first step. After that, it's a matter of gradually reducing the habit or making small consistent changes along the way. You could begin with setting manageable goals, substituting the habit with something else, or seeking advice from people who have had similar experiences.
5. Reduce Stress Factors
   As well as physical health, emotional well being is equally important. Taking time for yourself, doing what makes you happy and socialising with others are some ways you can reduce stress. BallyCara offers various activities, such as arts and crafts, music therapy, and social groups to keep your mind engaged or at ease. Our employees are also always here to offer support or guidance when you need it.
6. Educate Ourselves & Others
   Understanding the signs and symptoms of heart disease, educating ourselves, and sharing that information with those around us can help more people reach better heart health.

To learn more about heart disease and how it can affect seniors visit Heart Health Australia. Don't forget, wear RED!