Keeping and achieving a young heart age entails a conscious effort, health experts stressed.

During the recent Usapang Puso sa Puso hosted by the Philippine Heart Association, cardiologist Dr. Augusto Niccolo Salalima explained the concept of heart age or the biological age of the heart, which may be younger or older than one's actual years.

"When we say heart age, that means your biological age, and it will depend on your risk factors that could affect your heart. For example, you have hypertension, diabetes, a smoking history, are overweight, or have obesity," Salalima said in Filipino.

"So even if you are just 25 years old, when you have so many risk factors, you may actually be having a biological or heart age of 50 years old," he added.

On the other hand, Salalima continued, one could be 70 but with a heart that functions like a 40-year-old if they exercise, eat right, and manage their risk factors.

He also stressed that regular check-ups are crucial, especially for older adults. He detailed common laboratory and diagnostic tests, such as complete lipid profile, blood count, ECG, chest X-ray, and 2D echo, as vital tools to monitor heart health.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agnes Cubillas, head of the Geriatric Care Specialty Center at East Avenue Medical Center, said that medical care for the elderly must be personalized.

“What works for a 40-year-old won’t always work for an 80-year-old,” she said.

“As we age, medications, dosages, and treatment goals should all be reviewed and adjusted," she explained.

A balanced diet is good for the heart; occasional indulgences won’t hurt

Dr. Nahida Mustofa, internist and medical nutrition specialist at The Medical City South Luzon, highlighted that nutrition plays a vital role in holistic care, especially for the elderly.

“Sometimes older people lose their appetite because of medications or mood changes,” Mustofa explained. “Even food presentation or the effort of preparing meals can affect how much they eat.”

She recommended oral nutritional supplements when necessary and encouraged families to ensure that meals are both nutritious and appealing.

“Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Even simple, local food like vegetables, fruits, and malunggay, which you can grow in your backyard, even in pots, can help," she added.

Garcia also shared how comfort food can spark joy for the elderly.

“I have a patient who wouldn’t eat until he saw his favorite food—lechon. Of course, not all the time, but once in a while, that small indulgence brings happiness.”

Mustofa further noted that good nutrition should begin early and continue throughout life.

Eating wisely and a healthy lifestyle begin at home and is habit-forming. Even if you fall off track once in a while, you will always return to healthy eating habits, she stressed.

“We should raise our children to love healthy food. Reward them with fruits and home-cooked meals, not always fast food.”

Mustofa cited Pinggang Pinoy, a dietary guide by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, as a practical and culturally relevant tool for Filipinos.

“Pinggang Pinoy teaches proper portions for every age group—even for the elderly. It’s affordable and sustainable because the ingredients are local," she said.

She also reminded the public to stay hydrated and avoid drinking soft drinks.

Keep your social life

Beyond diet and medicine, Cubillas stressed the importance of social and emotional well-being among older adults.

“We don’t want sad elders. Life is too short to be spent alone. Talk to your friends, neighbors, grandchildren—social interaction keeps both the heart and mind healthy," Cubillas said.

She cautioned against overprotectiveness among families that might unintentionally isolate their elderly members.

“Let them participate in activities, make them feel needed. When they feel valued, they stay strong—physically, mentally, and emotionally," she added.

The health expert also encouraged the elderly to stay engaged with the community through church groups, senior citizen clubs, or gardening activities, noting that isolation often worsens physical decline.