At Solstice Senior Living, we pride ourselves on creating opportunities for our residents to get active and stay healthy through our Elevate^Ⓡ dining and Vibrant Life^Ⓡ programs. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is a great time to take note of your heart’s health.

Check out these five healthy habits you can start today for a healthier tomorrow!

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Try adding more fruits, leafy greens and omega-3-rich fish into your diet for whole body health benefits. Not only do these foods contribute to better overall health, they also can directly benefit eye health. Each community has a culinary team that works to create meals within our Elevate^Ⓡ dining program that taste like home and provide the nutrients needed to keep your heart healthy. 

Be active and get moving

Strive for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day! Regular exercise leads to notable heart health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced stress and improved outlook on life. The Vibrant Life^Ⓡ directors at each community find creative ways for residents to stay active with activities such as chair yoga, zumba and nature walks around the community.

Sleep tight! 

Your mind needs sleep the same way your body needs food. Older adults should aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Developing a regular bedtime can make falling asleep easier and can help increase motivation. 

Get crafty

Working with your hands helps your mind unwind and can assist in lowering blood pressure. Engaging in activities such as knitting, woodworking, sewing, puzzling or gardening can help relieve stress while creating something beautiful. 

Have fun

Whether you like watching funny movies or cracking jokes, laughter can lower stress hormones, decrease inflammation in your arteries, and raise your levels of high-density lipoprotein (HLD), also known as “good cholesterol.” In addition, staying socially engaged has been shown to keep the mind active. Take time to call those you love and connect with other residents! 

These simple tips can have a positive influence on aging for both physical and mental health. To learn more about Solstice’s program offerings, visit https://solsticeseniorliving.com/programs.