Living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be a frightening experience since it’s a chronic condition that goes on for many years. A supportive living environment, such as that found in a senior living community can make a huge difference in the life of someone with CVD. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among seniors the world over. It claims more than half a million American lives every year. Fortunately, starting new, heart-healthy behaviors can greatly reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Consider an assisted living facility for yourself or your loved one if you’re looking for some structure and support to help launch a new heart-healthy lifestyle since the facility can connect you with like-minded older adults and resources that can help you succeed. The best part about senior care living in Anthem facilities, such as the award-winning Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix- is that they provide care that can help reduce the risk of heart problems developing among community members. Senior living providers completely understand their role in seniors’ lives and take the responsibility seriously. Additionally, senior living communities often offer their residents with regular fitness opportunities and healthy meals, even controlling smoking policies to improve the health of the ticker.

Here’s how assisted facilities encourage heart health within their assisted living programs:

Heart-Healthy Nutrition- Proper diet is crucial for a healthy ticker and assisted facilities offer just about all the food that older adults eat that meets their nutritional needs. There are multiple dining options available to community members with nutritious, balanced and appetizing meals served at times that are convenient for them. Health of the ticker is taken very seriously at Anthem Senior Living and is a key consideration in our nutrition program.

Smoke-free Life– Smoking is a big heart disease risk factor, and at the same time the most important preventable cause of premature death in U.S. Individuals who smoke have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, such as atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty substances in the arteries), which can lead to coronary heart disease. Fortunately, communities’ nonsmoking policies not only protects smokers, but also encourages current smokers to kick the habit.

Helps With Sleep Schedules– Getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health. Senior living communities helps create a sleep schedule for senior residents that not only promotes healthy habits, but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure and increased blood sugar.

Fitness Opportunities– As little as 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, three times a week can help protect against heart disease and other illnesses. Senior living communities offer many opportunities to residents when it comes to exercise, ranging from a trip to on-site fitness center on their own, taking a group class to taking advantage of the outdoor trails in the form of walking, biking, etc. Senior living communities offer both the encouragement and facilities that older adults require to keep fit.