Celebrating American Heart Month: Staying Active at Hollenbeck Palms

February is American Heart Month, a great reminder that small, everyday choices can have a big impact on heart health. As we get older, keeping our hearts strong becomes even more important—but that doesn’t mean exercise has to be intense. Simple, enjoyable movements like walking, dancing, and stretching can do wonders for cardiovascular health while also boosting energy, lifting mood, and enhancing overall well-being.

At Hollenbeck Palms, staying active is easy and enjoyable. Whether it’s joining a group exercise class, taking part in social activities, or going for a peaceful stroll through our 8.5-acre campus, residents have plenty of ways to keep moving to feel their best.

The Importance of Heart Health for Older Adults

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading health concerns for older adults, but staying active can help prevent and manage conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Regular movement helps:

• Improve circulation and oxygen flow
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Boost endurance and energy levels
• Reduce stress and promote emotional well-being

The key to maintaining heart health is consistency—finding small, enjoyable ways to stay active daily.

Heart-Healthy Activities at Hollenbeck Palms

With a range of wellness programs and engaging activities, Hollenbeck Palms makes it easy for residents to prioritize movement in a way that feels good. Our vibrant community encourages social engagement alongside physical activity, making it even easier to stay motivated.

Staying Active for Heart Health

Movement plays a key role in maintaining heart health, improving balance, and supporting overall well-being. At Hollenbeck Palms, residents have a variety of ways to stay active, from dancing and walking to stretching and mindful relaxation.

Dancing is an enjoyable way to strengthen the heart, improve coordination, and boost aerobic fitness. It also enhances flexibility, muscle strength, and cognitive function while providing a fun way to connect with others. Residents can participate in ballroom and line dancing for a social and engaging workout. Japanese folk dance lessons offer a rhythmic and gentle approach to movement, while additional dance classes encourage self-expression and physical activity.

Walking is another simple yet effective way to support cardiovascular health. The 8.5-acre campus features scenic gardens, tree-lined paths, and peaceful walkways, creating the perfect setting for daily strolls. Even a leisurely walk can reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote joint flexibility, providing numerous health benefits.

Mind-body wellness is just as important as cardio exercise. Our meditation classes focus on deep breathing and stress management while stretching and balance exercises improve flexibility and help prevent falls. These low-impact activities support circulation, encourage relaxation, and sustainably contribute to overall heart health.

With so many opportunities to stay active, Hollenbeck Palms makes it easy to embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle in a welcoming and supportive community.

Staying Active Through Social Engagement

Movement doesn’t always have to come from structured exercise. Many social activities at Hollenbeck Palms naturally encourage light movement, making it easy to stay active while enjoying time with friends.

Residents can participate in events like our Mocktail Social, where mingling and conversation create natural opportunities for standing and walking. Other gatherings, such as music programs and interactive group activities, provide moments of movement that contribute to overall well-being. Even small movements throughout the day—like walking between events or dancing at celebrations—contribute to an active lifestyle.

Staying active is more than exercise; it includes all forms of movement, and our welcoming community makes it easy to keep moving while enjoying meaningful connections.

Why a Supportive Community Matters for Heart Health

Studies indicate that maintaining social connections is vital to heart health, much like physical activity. A lack of social interaction has been associated with higher risks of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and cognitive decline. Being part of a welcoming and engaging community like Hollenbeck Palms provides built-in support, motivation, and encouragement to maintain an active lifestyle.

Here, residents don’t have to exercise alone. Whether joining a dance class, taking a stroll through the gardens, or enjoying a game of Mahjong, there are always ways to stay active while connecting with others.

A Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Awaits

Caring for your heart involves more than exercise. It means finding joy in movement, staying connected with others, and living an active lifestyle. At Hollenbeck Palms, our residents have countless opportunities to prioritize their well-being while being part of a warm, vibrant community.

We would love to hear from you. Give us a call at 323.307.4505 or, if you prefer, send an email to [email protected] to learn more about our programs or to schedule a visit.