Healthy Living

7 Healthy Tips to Keep You Young at Heart — Literally

Though heart disease tops the list as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., there is good news — you can help prevent it by making healthier lifestyle choices now.

And because February is American Heart Month, it’s the ideal time to learn more about ways to lower your risk of heart disease. Try these tips to get you on the path to cardiac wellness:

Eat your vegetables. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Plant-based foods also provide high amounts of necessary vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Plus, loading up on more vegetables and fruits may help you cut back on higher-calorie or processed food choices.

Reach for the whole grains. Whole-wheat, brown rice, barley, buckwheat and quinoa are all heart-healthy sources of fiber and other nutrients that can help regulate blood pressure, according to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Swap out refined grain products like white bread or pasta for whole grain alternatives, which are more readily available and better-tasting than in the past.

Think low-fat protein. Ditch the hamburgers and whole-milk yogurt. Lean meat, poultry, fish, low-fat dairy products, eggs, nuts and legumes are some of your best options for protein. Certain types of fish and nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats that are essential in managing and preventing heart disease.

Control portion size. It’s not just about what you eat. Portion size matters. Focus on eating larger portions of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and non-fat dairy, and smaller portions of everything else. Not only will this benefit your heart, but your waistline will thank you.

Reduce your salt intake. Consuming excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that most adults ideally have no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.

Get moving. Did you know that 80% of American adults don’t get the recommended amount of exercise? As little as 15 minutes of activity a day can benefit your heart health, fending off high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and a host of other diseases. A mix of aerobic exercise and strength training are the foundation of a solid fitness regimen. If you’re 65+, be sure to check out the SilverSneakers fitness program that’s included with many Medicare Advantage insurance plans.

Control stress. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system — and your heart health. When it’s excessive, The American Heart Association warns that it can contribute to everything from high blood pressure to ulcers. Developing strategies to manage stress levels — therapy, meditation, yoga, etc. — can help keep anxiety at bay. It’s easier said than done, but the payoffs are well worth it.

Home is where the heart is

Getting your heart health in check is critical. But you also need healthy finances to sustain a comfortable lifestyle, especially in retirement. Are your finances stressing you out? If you are like many people today, you may have burdensome mortgage and credit card debt. It’s important to investigate your options for managing debt and alleviating what can be an unhealthy source of anxiety.

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan exclusively available to homeowners and homebuyers age 62 and older, allowing you to borrow against the equity in your home. In doing so, it provides funds that you can use today, or a line of credit that will be there when you need it — all while you continue to live in and own your home. As with any mortgage, you must meet your loan obligations, keeping current with property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Curious how a reverse mortgage from Reverse Mortgage Funding might help you enjoy the years ahead with less stress? Give us a call at (888) 277-1567 to set up a convenient phone appointment with one of our experienced loan specialists.

This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans live the retirement lifestyles that they imagined and deserve, in the comfort of their own homes. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating; a 5-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call (888) 277-1567 to speak with one of our experienced reverse mortgage specialists to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions.

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