Your heart has looked after you – now
it’s your turn to look after your heart

Every minute of every day, your heart is hard at work. It beats around 100,000 times, pumping oxygen and nutrients throughout your body so you can enjoy
life’s everyday moments – from walking the dog and tending the garden to playing with your grandchildren or catching up with friends over a cup of tea.

It’s easy to take this remarkable organ for granted. Until something goes wrong.

Heart Awareness Month, observed throughout September, is a timely reminder that looking after your heart doesn’t have to involve dramatic lifestyle changes. In fact, it’s often the small choices we make every day that have the biggest impact on our long-term health.

The encouraging news is that it’s never too late to start looking after your heart. Whether you’re newly retired or well into your later years, follow these 7 tips to
heart health:

1. Stay physically active

Your heart is a muscle – and like every muscle, it becomes stronger when it’s exercised regularly.

Physical activity literally gets your heart pumping faster – improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, helping to manage weight and reducing the risk of heart
problems. Regular exercise also improves balance, boosts mood and helps you maintain the strength and mobility needed for independent living.

You don’t need expensive equipment or strenuous workouts. A brisk walk with a friend … tending to your garden … dancing to your favourite songs … swimming … yoga or gentle stretching are all excellent ways to keep your heart healthy. Aim for 2 ½ hours of moderate exercise a week.

If you’re a TAFTA resident, joining one of our exercise or wellness activities is a wonderful way to stay active while enjoying the company of others.

2. Fill your plate with heart healthy foods

A healthy diet is one of the most powerful ways to protect your heart.

Choose meals rich in colourful vegetables and fruit, whole grains, beans, lean proteins and healthy fats such as avocado, nuts and olive oil. These foods provide the nutrients your heart needs, while helping to manage cholesterol and blood pressure.

Try to reduce foods that are high in salt, added sugar and saturated fat, which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease over time.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small changes – adding an extra serving of vegetables, choosing grilled instead of fried foods or swapping
sugary drinks for water – can make a lasting difference.

3. Know your numbers

High blood pressure, raised cholesterol and diabetes often develop without obvious symptoms, quietly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s why regular health screenings are so important.

Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and weight allows you to detect problems early, when they can often be managed successfully.

If you don’t have regular access to a doctor, keep an eye out for TAFTA’s Wellness Days at shopping centres and community venues. These free screenings offer a
convenient opportunity to check important health indicators and learn more about protecting your overall wellbeing.

4. Make sleep a priority

Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease. It can also affect your mood, memory and energy levels. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

Keeping a regular bedtime, limiting screen time before bed and creating a calm sleeping environment can all help improve sleep quality.

Avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime, and limit alcohol, which disrupts deep REM cycles. If you struggle to get to sleep, try relaxation techniques like progressive
muscle relaxation or deep breathing.

5. Take care of your emotional wellbeing

Did you know that your heart and mind are closely connected? Living with ongoing stress can affect your heart … increasing blood pressure and encouraging
unhealthy habits such as inactivity or comfort eating.

While it’s impossible to avoid stress altogether, it’s important to find healthy ways to manage it. Spending time outdoors, praying or meditating, reading, enjoying a hobby or simply having a chat with someone you trust can all help reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing.

6. Stay connected

One of the best things you can do for both your heart and your happiness is to stay socially connected. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation can
negatively affect heart health, while strong social relationships are linked to healthier, longer lives.

Whether you attend a community event, volunteer your time, join a club or simply make a point of calling a friend, meaningful connections help keep both body and
mind healthy.

This sense of belonging is something we value deeply at TAFTA, where our clubs, social activities and community programmes create opportunities for older
persons to stay engaged, make new friends and continue living full, active lives.

Click here to find a Tafta Wellness Centre near you.

7. Listen to your body

Heart disease doesn’t always begin with severe chest pain. Warning signs can include unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, pain in the jaw, neck, back or arm, nausea or a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest.

Never ignore symptoms that are unusual for you. Seeking medical attention early could save your life.

Every healthy choice counts

Choosing to take a walk instead of sitting indoors, preparing a healthy meal, attending a wellness screening or spending time with family and friends may seem like small actions, but together they help build a healthier future.

At TAFTA, we believe healthy ageing is about far more than living longer – it’s about living well. Through our wellness initiatives, exercise opportunities and vibrant community programmes, we support elders in making positive lifestyle choices that help them remain healthy, independent and connected.

This Heart Awareness Month, why not make one small change for your heart? Because after a lifetime of taking care of you, your heart deserves a little care in
return. ❤️