“Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the source of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
The connection between love and the heart has long been recognized as the core of human experience by philosophers, poets, artists, musicians, clergy and even scientists. From the Bronze Age to the modern age, the romantic link between the two is as recognizable today as it was in the ancient world.
While this month marks the official season of love and romance on the calendar and in greeting cards, February is also American Heart Month, a time to turn our attention to the vital organ that not only sustains life but symbolizes love itself.
As sentimental as it may seem, the impact of love on the human heart is more than just a poetic metaphor. It is supported by quite a few scientific facts. Before we jump into them, however, let’s explore why cardiovascular health is so important for aging populations.
Understanding Heart Health Challenges for Seniors
For seniors, heart health is perhaps more critical than at any other time of their lives. This is because the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, increase due to changes in heart and blood vessel function, and factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis) become more prevalent with age.
With advancing age, the stiffening of heart muscles and blood vessels can lead to higher blood pressure and force the heart to work harder. This natural wear and tear on the cardiovascular system over the years tends to make conditions like arrhythmias more common among seniors.
The good news is through early detection, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical interventions (along with copious amounts of love and social attention), seniors can ensure they enter their golden years both vibrant and healthy.
The Role of Love and Emotional Wellbeing in Cardiovascular Health
The scientific research underpinning the link between good senior heart health and emotional connection is real and powerful. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Reduced blood pressure. Studies have shown that people in loving relationships, or those with strong social support systems, tend to have lower blood pressure compared to those without these kinds of close personal relationships.
- Stress reduction. Love and strong emotional connections are known to reduce stress, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. The presence of loving relationships in one’s life can lead to decreased levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
- Faster healing. Emotional support and feelings of love can actually speed up recovery from illness and surgery. Patients with strong social support often experience better outcomes and quicker recovery times, illustrating the heart’s profound response to emotional well-being.
- Longevity. Research suggests that giving love and receiving it are perhaps the most important contributing factors to a long and healthy life. This goes for both men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
- Heart rate. Experiences of love and happiness have been shown to positively affect heart rate variability, a key indicator of heart health. Positive emotions and the feeling of being loved are also associated with higher levels of oxytocin, a chemical associated with trust, intimacy, social belonging, and positive senior heart health.
Given these helpful side effects, it’s easy to see why love and emotional connections have such a profound impact on the overall health of senior citizens.
Other Contributing Factors for Positive Senior Heart Health
While love and social support best illustrate the relationship between emotional well-being and cardiovascular well-being, there are other contributing factors to heart health for seniors, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet. And regardless of their social and romantic situation, seniors should never overlook regular medical checkups and physical activity.
Heart-Friendly Activities and Social Connections at Pleasant View
Recognizing the dual importance of physical activity and social engagement for cardiovascular well-being, Pleasant View Communities offers a range of programs designed to keep the heart strong and spirits high.
PVFiT. By offering exercises that are both accessible and enjoyable, Pleasant View’s fitness center, PVFiT,encourages regular physical activity that strengthens the heart, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of community among participants, contributing significantly to both their physical fitness and social connections.
Social activities. From community wide social events to communal dining to group activities, Pleasant View is committed to encouraging an inviting atmosphere of physical activity and connection. With numerous walking paths, pavilions, and barbecue areas for the warmer months and a rec area that includes billiard tables and more for the colder months, opportunities abound on our campus for mingling and gathering.
Volunteering. Pleasant View has a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, from pet therapy to simple companionship. By serving as a volunteer, individuals can experience the joy of giving back, reducing stress and promoting a sense of purpose, all of which positively impact cardiovascular well-being.
The upcoming cultural center. The Hoffer Farm project now underway will include a brand-new, state-of-the-art cultural center adjacent to the main Pleasant View campus. As part of this initiative, even more opportunities for communal gathering will be available, including new walking trails, a makerspace, greenhouses, and eventually a small working farm!
Nurturing Health with Love and Connection
When it comes to the impact of love and connection on heart health, we take a proactive approach at Pleasant View by offering a blend of physical activities and social engagement opportunities geared toward enhancing overall health and fostering strong community bonds.
We are committed to supporting the seniors in our lives through meaningful relationships and holistic wellness practices, ensuring their hearts remain healthy and full of love.
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For more information about the programs or amenities at Pleasant View Communities, give us a call at 717-665-2445.
