Winter officially begins in December, and colder temperatures soon follow. Don’t let the chill in the air freeze your commitment to maintaining a healthy heart this winter. It’s vital for older adults to stay active to support their cardiovascular health, so let’s explore the importance of heart-healthy activities for seniors and how Cedarfield’s Pathway to Wellness program supports the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
One of the cornerstones of good health is a robust cardiovascular system, particularly for seniors. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. One of the primary risk factors for heart disease is the lack of physical activity. Regularly engaging in exercise helps you maintain a healthy heart by improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Our Pathways to Wellness program recognizes that a healthy lifestyle includes physical, mental and emotional well-being. However, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of remaining physically active when promoting heart health. We offer multilevel fitness opportunities to cater to each resident’s unique needs.
At Cedarfield, we encourage residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes various physical activities to keep their hearts in top shape. We know not everyone enjoys the same types of engagement, so here are a few types of exercise to consider.
Walking: Walking is a fantastic, low-impact exercise that benefits heart health. Cedarfield sits on 95 acres, offering miles of nature trails to explore. It also provides direct access to Deep Run Park, an ideal location for residents to take a leisurely stroll, soaking in the scenery and breathing in the crisp winter air. If you prefer a controlled environment, consider walking on a treadmill in our fitness center, offering the benefits of exercise within the comfort of an indoor space.
Group Exercise: Engaging in group workouts promotes heart health and adds a social component to staying active. Group exercises are part of the array of resident engagement Cedarfield offers daily, which helps foster a sense of community and contributes to a healthier heart. Cedarfield even has an indoor walking group that is open to residents!
Weightlifting: Contrary to common misconceptions, weightlifting isn't just for the young and vigorous. A properly designed weightlifting program can help you build strength, give you more energy, improve balance and help make daily activities easier. Approaching weightlifting carefully ensures you enjoy the benefits without risking injury. Our Pathways to Wellness building features a spacious gym with areas for weight training and other forms of fitness, and we have a personal trainer on staff to assist with weight training if you are unsure how to get started.
While exercise plays a pivotal role in maintaining heart health, it's not the sole factor. We recognize the holistic nature of a heart-healthy lifestyle, addressing diet, stress and social connection.
Diet and Nutrition: Cedarfield provides residents with heart-healthy dining options. We believe in a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich meals, ensuring older adults receive the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep their hearts in peak condition. Cedarfield promotes healthy eating habits and lends further support by changing our menus weekly to accommodate for the freshest ingredients.
Stress Management: Stress can take a significant toll on the heart, so we understand the need for stress management in seniors' lives. Cedarfield provides various stress-reducing pursuits that also help you achieve emotional balance, such as yoga, tai chi, resident support groups and pet therapy. Pursuing creative outlets and keeping your mind active can provide additional outlets for managing stress.
Social Connection: Loneliness and isolation can have detrimental effects on heart health. Cedarfield fosters a vibrant community where residents can build meaningful connections with other residents. We ensure our residents can remain socially engaged through a range of opportunities, such as game nights, events, entertainment, parties, clubs and community outings, to help contribute to overall heart health.
Cedarfield is committed to helping ensure you’re on a Pathway to Wellness from the moment you join our community. We offer a fitness center, numerous fitness classes, water aerobics, balance programs and personal training to help you maintain your fitness level individually or in a group setting. Our Pathways to Wellness program recognizes the need to combine physical activities, a well-rounded diet and nutrition program, social connection and stress management to nurture a healthy heart. This winter, let the committed team members at Cedarfield be your partner in embracing heart-healthy living, ensuring your vitality and well-being remain robust.
Contact us at 804 474 8788 to learn more about the Independent Living options we offer at Cedarfield and all the wonderful ways we can help you stay active and heart-healthy in the winter and all year round.
