According to the American Heart Association, approximately 92.1 million adults in the United States live with some form of heart disease. For adults over the age of 65, the risk of developing heart disease is even greater.
Luckily, starting heart-healthy behaviors now can greatly reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke later on. Living in a retirement community can give seniors the support and structure they need to stay on a healthy track well into their retirement years. Here are some ways a retirement community can help seniors live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Regular exercise
Staying active with light to moderate exercise is another key way to help seniors protect their heart health. In a retirement community, seniors have access to a variety of easy ways to achieve their daily fitness goals. With group exercise classes, an on-site fitness center, and paved outdoor trails perfect for walking or jogging, retirement community residents can enjoy regular exercise on their terms.
Sleep better in a retirement community
According to the National Sleep Association, poor sleep quality or sleeping too little can cause disruptions in your metabolism, blood pressure, and inflammation. To get a more restful night’s sleep, set a regular bedtime and avoid caffeine before bed. If worries about safety and security are keeping you up late at night, moving to a retirement community may be a solution. Residents of retirement communities benefit from a greater sense of safety, security, and structure compared to those living alone, which may contribute to a better night’s rest and a healthier heart.
Reduce stress with community support
Recent research has found that dealing with stress and depression can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults. Connecting with others through shared interests and activities is a great way to fight stress, but it can be difficult for seniors living alone to maintain an active social life. In a retirement community, older adults can enjoy making new friends through activities and clubs, all in the comfort of their community.
Develop healthy eating habits
One of the best ways to prevent heart disease and promote a heart-healthy lifestyle is by developing healthy eating habits. Retirement communities make it easy for seniors to follow a healthy diet by offering fresh and nutritious meals each day. Many communities also have dieticians and nutritionists on staff to help seniors make healthy choices that fit their lifestyle.
