The Engines That Drive Boomers

A stethoscope is used to listen to our heartbeat and heart sounds.

During my last physical, the doctor placed a stethoscope on my back and chest. He moved it slowly, listening closely to the slightly left side of my chest.

“You have a strong heart,” he said.

“That’s a good thing,” I replied, “because I’m planning to live to be 113.”

“You’re on your way,” he smiled.

We both laughed.

After making my appointment for next year, I—along with my aging 1950-model heart—climbed into my aging 2014-model car. We drove out of the parking lot, heading for the adventures Boomers know simply as living.

Smooth-running engines—whether in our chest or under our hood—give us autonomy, mobility, and freedom.

Our Mighty Heart Engine

When it comes to matters of the heart, the American Heart Association (AHA) helps keep us informed about function, maintenance, and repair. We don’t have to know everything—but basic health literacy helps keep us moving.

Here are three fascinating heart facts:

1. Your heart works harder than any other muscle

Even though your heart is only about the size of a clenched fist, it works harder than any of the 600+ muscles in your body. It never takes a day off.

2. Your heart beats over 2.5 billion times in a lifetime

The average adult heart beats 60–100 times per minute. Mine has always run in the low 60s—and even slower while I sleep. Age, activity, and health all influence heart rate.

3. Your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood a day

That’s how oxygen and nutrients reach every cell in your body. When circulation is blocked, as in a heart attack or stroke, tissue is starved of oxygen, leading to damage.

A Nurse’s View from the Inside

During my years in critical care nursing, we often measured cardiac output—how much blood the heart pumps per minute. It’s calculated by multiplying heart rate by the amount of blood pushed out with each beat.

In simple terms:
Does your heart generate enough power to keep you alive and moving?

Another common test is the echocardiogram (ECHO)—a painless ultrasound that shows how well the heart muscle works. I’ve had a few myself, thanks to a strong family history of heart disease. Both my parents suffered from cardiovascular disease.

Your Heart and Your Car: Surprisingly Similar

We tend to know more about our car engines than our heart engines—but let’s change that.

Here’s how they compare:

1. Both provide power

Your heart pumps blood to fuel your body.
Your car engine creates power to move you down the road.

2. Both depend on vital fluids

Your heart needs blood.
Your car needs gasoline and oil.

3. Both rely on pumping systems

Your heart beats rhythmically.
Your car uses pistons.

When either engine weakens, movement becomes harder.

Maintenance Matters

Every engine needs care.

Your car sees a mechanic.
Your heart needs a healthcare provider.

That includes:

• Blood pressure checks

• Blood work

• Diabetes and cholesterol screening

• Memory and cognitive screening

Chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease don’t mean life is over—but ignoring treatment can be dangerous.

Here’s how to keep your heart engine humming:

1. Take your medications

If something doesn’t feel right, speak to your health care provider. There are always other options.

2. Move your body

Aim for at least 30 minutes a day—walking counts; it is easy and free! Movement improves heart health, mood, and energy.

3. Eat your fruits and vegetables

The DASH eating plan recommends 4–5 servings daily. If that feels like too much, start with three and build up.
Soft foods, soups, and smoothies make it easier—and delicious.

Don’t Forget Your Vaccines

As we age, our immune systems weaken. Flu and pneumonia vaccines after 65 can save you from unnecessary suffering—and even save your life.

Final Thought

We can live without a car.

But we cannot live without our hearts.

So let’s keep that beautiful engine running as long as possible—with care, gratitude, and compassion.

With heart,
Annelie ❤️

This story was first published on Medium.