Want to Check Your Heart Rate? Here’s How To Do It

The Harvard Heart Letter says measuring your heart rate is an easy way to gauge your health, as it provides a real-time snapshot of your heart muscle function. 

For most adults, the normal resting heart rate—the number of heartbeats per minute while at rest—ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Checking your heart rate is another measure those over age 40 can take to keep your eye on their health and well-being. - Read more here.

The Harvard Heart Letter says measuring your heart rate is an easy way to gauge your health, as it provides a real-time snapshot of your heart muscle function. 

Target Heart Rate

The American Heart Association recommends these target heart rates based on your age. An individual's heart rate should fall within this range when they exercise at 50 to 80 percent intensity - also known as exertion.

There are apps on your smartphones - and even the Apple Watch - that can monitor heart rates, blood pressure, number of steps you are taking, and even check for afib.

All you have to do is take proactive steps to monitor your health to maintain overall good health and well-being. 

The message is clear. As we age, we start having chronic health issues. Many people start noticing changes in their health and bodies after age 40. The best advice is to be both proactive and active. 

Be proactive by seeing your doctor, eating healthy, and monitoring your health - like your heartbeat and blood pressure.

Be active by maintaining physical and mental activity. Keeping your mind and body active will improve your health and reduce your risk of chronic health problems that develop over time. 

Be sure to see your doctor regularly. Plus, pay attention to the hints your body gives you and communicate with your doctor.

Prepare for Longevity and its Impact on Family and Finances

No matter what you do now, aging will catch up with you at some point. Changes in your health, body, and mind will lead to a higher risk of needing long-term health care. The costs of professional long-term care services are rising rapidly due to increasing demand for care and higher labor costs.  

If you are in your 40s or 50s, you should have a retirement plan in place. Protect your 401(k), IRA, SEP, and other accounts and assets with a proactive plan to address the costs and burdens of aging.

Long-Term Care Insurance will not prevent you from aging, but it will give you the funds so you can better afford your choice of quality care options, including care in your home. Plus, your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of finding themselves as caregivers. 

Long-Term Care Services Not Covered by Health Insurance

Not only is long-term health care expensive it's generally not covered by health insurance and Medicare (including supplements). Medicaid will pay for long-term care services, but only if you have little or no income and assets.

The responsibility of paying for extended care falls on you, or the burden of future caregiving falls on your family. However, Long-Term Care Insurance is an affordable solution you should consider.

There are no apps to remind you; nothing will monitor you if you take action or not. But make your future retirement easier on your family and finances, and plan for long-term care now so you can that off your list of things to do.