Heart Health for Older Adults As we enter 2025, how are you keeping up with your New Year's resolutions? Are you still sticking to healthy eating habits and regular exercise? For older adults, the healthy habits we set each year aren't just about discipline- they can play a major role in prolonging life. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death for seniors. With February being American Heart Month, it's the perfect time to reflect on the small but impactful changes we can make to boost heart health and increase longevity. The Impact of Heart Disease It's important to understand the prevalence of heart disease among older adults. The American Heart Association (AHA) provides some sobering statistics: Heart disease and stroke together account for more deaths in the U.S. than all types of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack. In a study of adults aged 60-79, nearly 75% of women and over 77% of men had some form of cardiovascular disease, and more than 67% had high blood pressure. Heart-Healthy Habits While the statistics are concerning, the good news is that healthy lifestyle choices can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are four key habits that can help seniors protect their hearts: 1. Exercise Regularly Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. The AHA found that adults who walked about 4,500 steps per day had a 77% lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event than those who walked fewer than 2,000 steps per day. While starting a new exercise routine may feel overwhelming, it's all about taking it one step at a time. Even light activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can have significant benefits for heart health. 2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet A heart-healthy diet is a key factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Focusoneatingmore fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like chicken and fish), and healthy fats (such as olive oil and avocado). Reducing red meat, processed foods, and salt can also have a positive impact on heart health. Overhauling your diet can be challenging, but it's more effective when you make gradual changes. Start by swapping unhealthy foods for healthier options and phasing in heart-healthy meals. 3. Manage Stress Stress is often linked to heart disease, and older adults are not immune. From health issues to loss of loved ones, the stressors that come with aging can take a toll on heart health. Managing stress is essential. Regular exercise can help, as it reduces stress while benefiting the heart. Social connections are also crucial-spending time with friends and family can help relieve stress. Consider relaxation practices like meditation, deep breathing, or using mindfulness apps designed for older adults. 4. Get Enough Sleep Sleep is crucial for heart health. The National Institute on Aging recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for older adults. Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. To ensure better sleep, try to stick to a during the day, limit screen time before bed. consistent sleep schedule, avoid napping and cut back on caffeine in the afternoon. Also, try not to rely on alcohol to help you sleep-it can disrupt the quality of rest. Heart Health at Colonial Vista Senior Living At Colonial Vista Senior Living, we make heart health a top priority. Our community offers tailored exercise programs, heart- healthy meals, and a dedicated team to support our residents in adopting lifestyles that promote longevity and overall wellness. To learn more about our community or schedule a tour, visit us online at colonialvistasl.com or call (509) 423-7818. Let us help you make heart health a part of your daily life. Sponsored content paid for by Colonial Vista Senior Living Heart Health for Older Adults As we enter 2025 , how are you keeping up with your New Year's resolutions ? Are you still sticking to healthy eating habits and regular exercise ? For older adults , the healthy habits we set each year aren't just about discipline- they can play a major role in prolonging life . A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease , which remains the leading cause of death for seniors . With February being American Heart Month , it's the perfect time to reflect on the small but impactful changes we can make to boost heart health and increase longevity . The Impact of Heart Disease It's important to understand the prevalence of heart disease among older adults . The American Heart Association ( AHA ) provides some sobering statistics : Heart disease and stroke together account for more deaths in the U.S. than all types of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined . Every 40 seconds , someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack . In a study of adults aged 60-79 , nearly 75 % of women and over 77 % of men had some form of cardiovascular disease , and more than 67 % had high blood pressure . Heart - Healthy Habits While the statistics are concerning , the good news is that healthy lifestyle choices can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease . Here are four key habits that can help seniors protect their hearts : 1. Exercise Regularly Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart . The AHA found that adults who walked about 4,500 steps per day had a 77 % lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event than those who walked fewer than 2,000 steps per day . While starting a new exercise routine may feel overwhelming , it's all about taking it one step at a time . Even light activities like walking , swimming , or yoga can have significant benefits for heart health . 2. Eat a Heart - Healthy Diet A heart - healthy diet is a key factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues . Focusoneatingmore fruits , vegetables , whole grains , lean proteins ( like chicken and fish ) , and healthy fats ( such as olive oil and avocado ) . Reducing red meat , processed foods , and salt can also have a positive impact on heart health . Overhauling your diet can be challenging , but it's more effective when you make gradual changes . Start by swapping unhealthy foods for healthier options and phasing in heart - healthy meals . 3. Manage Stress Stress is often linked to heart disease , and older adults are not immune . From health issues to loss of loved ones , the stressors that come with aging can take a toll on heart health . Managing stress is essential . Regular exercise can help , as it reduces stress while benefiting the heart . Social connections are also crucial - spending time with friends and family can help relieve stress . Consider relaxation practices like meditation , deep breathing , or using mindfulness apps designed for older adults . 4. Get Enough Sleep Sleep is crucial for heart health . The National Institute on Aging recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for older adults . Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease . To ensure better sleep , try to stick to a during the day , limit screen time before bed . consistent sleep schedule , avoid napping and cut back on caffeine in the afternoon . Also , try not to rely on alcohol to help you sleep - it can disrupt the quality of rest . Heart Health at Colonial Vista Senior Living At Colonial Vista Senior Living , we make heart health a top priority . Our community offers tailored exercise programs , heart- healthy meals , and a dedicated team to support our residents in adopting lifestyles that promote longevity and overall wellness . To learn more about our community or schedule a tour , visit us online at colonialvistasl.com or call ( 509 ) 423-7818 . Let us help you make heart health a part of your daily life . Sponsored content paid for by Colonial Vista Senior Living