In February it will be 56 years since American Heart Month began. Heart-disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Although, the numbers have been decreasing since health incentives have been in the works. There has been evidence that those working in senior care facilities have been helping in this effort.
Senior Communities on the Rise
Heart disease takes lives at a dramatic rate, more than half a million American lives every year. Although, prevention efforts are starting to pay off with a decrease of 50% of seniors being hospitalized for heart disease since 2000. Within the same period the number of seniors living in assisted living communities have increased dramatically, more than doubling in numbers.
With this trend of seniors moving to assisted living communities we start to see the benefit it has on senior lives against heart disease. An increase in assisted living services in seniors lives has created a beneficial factor of improved heart-health.
Heart disease is an illness largely affected by lifestyle choices. The way you live your life directly affects the possibility of developing the condition. Healthy choices to ward off heart disease start with exercise, controlling blood pressure, a healthy diet, and not smoking. Senior communities help play a part in this because they provide meals, control smoking, and have fitness opportunities.
The team at assisted living facilities understand the importance of their role and take a serious approach to the well-being of their residents. Even though many residents come with preexisting conditions it’s never too late to make a lifestyle change for the better. Even though many people are aware of the guidelines for a heart healthy life they don’t know how to implement them into their lives. This is where senior communities come in for structure, support, and encouragement in helping seniors follow the guidelines to a heart healthy life.
A Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to a healthy heart. Senior communities provide all the food for residents, so choosing a community with a healthy diet is important. That’s why at Victorian Senior Living we assure that our residents always have top-quality meals. Freshly prepared meals are served three times daily in our dining room. The food is delicious and all meals are audited by a dining director to ensure residents are receiving a balanced diet.
When you arrive for each meal, our staff will deliver your choice of beverage, and note your selections from the daily specials or alternative choice menu. Special requests are welcomed for individual dietary needs. Just make your preferences known and we will make sure you’re satisfied. Guests and family members are always welcome to stay. We encourage you to host your personal gatherings, whether it is a birthday, anniversary or special surprise.
Community Exercise
Exercise plays a key role in preventing heart disease. The amount of exercise someone does has a direct correlation with the health of the heart. Being inactive creates a large risk for developing coronary artery disease.
Keeping residents active should be a main goal for senior communities. Facilities and encouragement should be provided for residents to stay fit. Enjoyable and relaxing activities should also be provided because they reduce stress and anxiety, which is also linked to heart problems.
At The Victorian Senior living we provide an array of enjoyable activities for our residents. Take a look at our monthly events here:
https://www.victorianseniorliving.com/downloads/calendar.pdf
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the main causes of heart disease. By not smoking the risk of premature death decreases dramatically. Smoking creates a higher risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary heart disease. Overall, assisted living facilities are smoke free environments with a designated outdoor smoking area. This protects non-smokers against it and might even help smokers on giving up their habit.
The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community
The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional wellbeing. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.
