As we age, priorities shift. Whether it’s health- or lifestyle-related, most seniors seek to live their retirement years peacefully and comfortably. To do so, one priority we recommend moving to the top of your list is to maintain good heart health.
“Approximately every 40 seconds, someone in the United States will have a myocardial infarction (heart attack),” according to the American Heart Association’s 2022 statistics report. This statistic is startling, but the important thing to keep in mind is that there are ways to prevent and reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.
At The Terraces at Bonita Springs, we encourage residents to lead a healthy lifestyle in a myriad of ways. To help you get the full picture of what it means to live heart-healthy, let’s dive into what factors increase your risk of heart disease, tips for keeping optimum heart health, and how our retirement community centers around your wellness.
What causes heart disease?
There isn’t one exact cause of heart disease. In fact, there are several risk factors to consider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that the leading risk factors of heart failure and cardiovascular disease include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Family history
Your heart muscle is responsible for pumping blood, sending oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, and eliminating any carbon dioxide or waste. It’s important to treat it right. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, consider making an appointment with your physician as soon as possible (Cleveland Clinic).
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate
- Chest pain, tightness or discomfort
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly or back
- Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your extremities
Symptom information provided by Mayo Clinic.
Now that you understand the basic causes and symptoms associated with heart disease, it’s time to get proactive.
Three tips for maintaining heart health
The following behavioral and lifestyle tips can help you look forward to an active, fulfilling life for many years to come.
1. Eat a healthy diet.
Specifically, a heart-healthy diet. Incorporate fruits and vegetables; foods that are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals; and avoid trans fats, sugars and red meats. To get you started, Cleveland Clinic shares 10 Steps to Creating a Heart-Healthy Diet.
At The Terraces, we provide residents with a dining experience filled with fresh, quality ingredients. Additionally, we’re happy to cater to any dietary restrictions you may have.
2. Exercise regularly.
Along with a healthy diet, staying active is important to managing normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy weight. Many older adults are overwhelmed by the idea of exercise, but truthfully, it can be easier than expected.
Whether it’s walking for 30 minutes two (or more) times per week, stretching or swimming, getting up and moving makes all the difference in your physical well-being. At The Terraces, residents live an active lifestyle that includes:
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- An ever-evolving calendar of activities
- Group classes at our state-of-the-art fitness center, plus therapeutic massage
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Putting green
- Tennis and bocce courts
- Beautifully landscaped walkways
3. Minimize unnecessary stress.
In many cases, what causes high blood pressure, poor eating habits, and weight gain is stress. By eliminating major stressors in your life, you’ll feel better not only physically but mentally.
We provide residents with a Vitality Program that embraces senior wellness. It’s much more than fitness and healthy diets; it’s a holistic approach to keep older adults active, emphasizing physical activity, mental stimulation, safety and independence throughout our entire continuum of care.
Because our care levels and health services are conveniently located on one campus, residents find that the worries they once had about accessing health care are greatly diminished. Take advantage of every care type, from assisted living to memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing at The Terraces.
We also lessen the burden of everyday household responsibilities with these amenities:
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- Weekly housekeeping and flat-linen services
- Concierge services
- 24-hour security
- Transportation services
- Interior and exterior home maintenance
- Utilities and property taxes included (excludes phone and internet)
Health and happiness come first at The Terraces at Bonita Springs.
Live a healthy and worry-free life in Bonita Springs, FL, and relieve yourself of all the stresses that come with homeownership. Beyond being beautiful and comfortable, our independent living residences are built to withstand hurricane-strength winds, providing you additional comfort and security. With more time to focus on your passions and health, you’ll be able to thrive and live your best life. Learn more about our active, wellness-focused lifestyle today.