Showing love for our elders

 Furthermore, the number of elderly citizens is expected to increase continuously, reaching 32.1 per cent of the population by 2040, according to a report released by the Foundation for Older Persons' Development.

Here are four heart tips from Dr Louis Ignarro, a research pharmacologist and Nobel Laureate who is also a member of both the Editorial and Nutrition Advisory Boards of the Herbalife Nutrition Institute.

 Senior citizens in Thailand and their families who live with them at home can learn from his years of experience and intensive research. By keeping these four essential “healthy heart choices” in mind, seniors can stay physically and emotionally active for a long time.

1. Exercise regularly

Exercise like walking or water aerobics can help blood vessels relax and widen, or dilate. When blood vessels are relaxed, blood is allowed to flow efficiently and nourish the heart, which stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the body, necessary for controlling, regulating and protecting the cardiovascular system. The result is clear: more exercise equals more nitric oxide, which results in a healthier heart.

2. Eat a balanced diet – especially one rich in omega-3s

A healthy diet is as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds. Fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to maintain overall health. Foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna), flaxseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and soybeans are jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help support a healthy cardiovascular system by maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels within the normal range. Fish is a great substitute for foods like beef, which is high in saturated fats.

3. Lower your stress

Doing stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can do more for your body than you might think. A recent study found that chronic stress is linked to coronary heart disease and that stress management is an important part of heart health.

Many researchers believe that increased stress levels can worsen other states in the body. For example, if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, stress can cause these levels to rise even further. Stress may also impact the way blood clots, which may increase the risk of a heart attack. People with lower stress levels are more likely to exercise and eat well, both of which are important for a healthy heart. So, lowering stress not only helps you feel better, it also keeps your body balanced and supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

4. Lose weight to improve blood circulation

Did you know that even moderate weight loss can have a huge impact on the health of your heart? A healthy weight lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. While there are lots of benefits of weight loss, it especially impacts blood circulation. One study found that when body weight – especially belly fat – is within healthy range, arteries are better able to expand, which results in better blood flow.

We should honour seniors in our family and among our friends by encouraging these healthy heart habits. We can’t always see the results of the hard work, but we know the impact that heart-smart decisions have on the cardiovascular system. So help your elders make healthy choices, and remember that each good decision made takes us all one step closer to a healthier heart.

 For more healthy and active lifestyle tips, visit facebook.com/HerbalifeThailandOfficial.