This February, during American Heart Month, we’re raising awareness about heart health for seniors. Because heart disease remains a leading health concern in the United States, understanding how to support your cardiovascular system is key to your wellness journey.
The good news is that you can take actionable steps today to support your heart and build sustainable routines that enhance your quality of life. Although you should always consult your physician for questions about your personal healthcare, there are many ways to embrace a heart-healthy approach to daily life.
As we grow older, prioritizing heart health becomes even more important. Natural changes over time, such as the heart working harder due to stiffening arteries or thickened heart walls, can increase the risk of heart disease.
A healthy heart pumps oxygen and essential nutrients throughout the body. However, a lack of movement or poor nutrition can gradually weaken the heart’s function.
Here are some of the leading risks:
By staying informed and choosing a supportive environment, you can take control of these risks and focus on maintaining your independence.
Staying physically active plays a powerful role in helping older adults feel their best each day — from boosting energy to supporting heart health. Even small, consistent habits can add up to meaningful benefits, including:
Prioritizing regular activity: Aiming for about 150 minutes of moderate movement each week, such as brisk walks, can make a world of difference.
Managing vital numbers: Simple daily movement helps keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in a healthy range.
Watching your weight: Staying mobile is a natural way to reduce excess weight, which helps take unnecessary pressure off your heart.
Whether you’re a part of our independent living or assisted living communities, you’ll have access to on-site fitness centers with classes led by certified instructors who understand the unique needs of older adults. Tailored experiences—from exploring our beautiful walking trails to joining a specialized exercise class—are designed to help you move with greater independence and ease.
Physical wellness is one of the 7 Dimensions of Wellness at Cedarhurst Senior Living. To help you stay active, our communities offer at least six daily opportunities to engage with different areas of your health. For your cardiovascular wellness, we help you focus on:
At many of our communities, you’ll have access to on-site fitness centers with classes led by certified instructors who understand the unique needs of older adults. Tailored experiences—from exploring our beautiful walking paths to joining a specialized exercise class—are designed to help you move with greater independence and ease.
A balanced approach to nutrition empowers you to manage blood pressure and energy levels while still savoring every bite.
To support heart health in seniors, a few simple adjustments to your daily meals can make a big impact:
Choose fresh and lean: Focus on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Opt for lean proteins, such as fish or poultry, to keep your heart strong.
Be mindful of sodium and sugar: Aim to limit added sugars and processed foods. Keeping your sodium intake between 1,500-2,300 mg per day is a helpful way to support healthy blood pressure.
Stay hydrated: Water is essential for circulation. For those aged 51 and older, a good goal is approximately nine cups of water a day for women and 13 cups for men.
Consider the DASH plan: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a flexible and balanced way of eating that focuses on heart-healthy choices.
Crafted by Cedarhurst®
At Cedarhurst, we believe that choosing foods that support your heart should be an enjoyable and flavorful experience. Our dining program, Crafted by Cedarhurst®, is designed to make healthy choices easy and delicious. We offer chef-prepared, on-site meals that suit your unique tastes and dietary needs, including heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly menu choices.
"We believe that a heart-healthy diet doesn't have to mean sacrificing the flavors you love," says Chef Christian Gullet. "At Cedarhurst, we focus on fresh ingredients and regional specials that make every meal a highlight of the day."
Ready to try a few of our favorites? We put together a selection of recipes developed by Chef Christian Gullet, inspired by the Crafted by Cedarhurst® menu:
Beyond diet and exercise, making small changes to your daily habits can have ripple effects on your overall energy levels and physical health, including heart health.
To support your heart, consider these daily shifts:
At Cedarhurst, our Living TRUE philosophy ensures that every resident is supported in making these healthy choices. We host daily events and programs tailored to your unique history and preferences, making it easier to find relaxation and joy in your current residence. Whether it’s a quiet meditation session or a social gathering centered around a favorite hobby, these opportunities to engage are designed to help you live life to the fullest.
Staying on track with your health regimen includes managing your medication.
To maintain a healthy rhythm, it’s helpful to:
Cedarhurst communities offer medication management to help ensure you stay on track with your doctor’s orders. Many medical professionals refer older adults to Cedarhurst because they trust our team to provide the personalized care and supportive environment required to maintain cardiovascular health.
Take control of your heart health today. Because the early signs of heart disease are often subtle, they can be easy to overlook.
Although symptoms can vary, it’s important to be aware of the following indicators:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have specific questions or concerns related to your heart health, please get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.
Where will you begin your wellness journey? At Cedarhurst, we believe it starts with the power of connection. Discovering a sense of community through shared activities and meaningful experiences provides the support you need to live life to the fullest.
Explore senior health and wellness resources to get started.