Did you know that more than one in three U.S. adults suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease? That’s 83.6+ million adults, according to the American Heart Association! Tragically, around 659,000 of those people succumb to cardiovascular disease every year, making it the leading cause of death in our country.
In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson named February American Heart Month, calling national attention to the importance of heart health. And at John Knox Village of Central Florida, we prioritize your heart as much as we do your mind, body and spirit. With Valentine’s Day upon us, please accept our heartfelt gift to you: four tips for staying active, keeping healthy and living longer.
1. Food Is Your Secret Weapon for Heart-Healthy Aging
In addition to giving you the energy you need to live each day to the fullest, eating healthy also lowers your risk for cardiovascular problems. A diet rich in unprocessed whole foods—including ample fruits, vegetables and grains—also helps keep your cholesterol in check and ensures that you’re getting enough of the different nutrients your body craves.
Heart-healthy dining is always on the menu here at John Knox Village. Our Chef Ravin tells us, “Wellness and nutrition are very, very important considerations as I create new dishes and prepare menus. Besides devoting ourselves to cooking from scratch, we also cater to residents who have special and restricted diets.” Depending on the season, Chef Ravin also sources local farm-to-table produce that keeps his meals fresh and flavorful.
2. Pump Up Your Physical Activity
It’s never too late to strengthen your heart. Just like other muscles, it’s possible to reverse some of the effects of aging by engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week (think of it as five 30-minute sessions). Bonus: Exercising can also prevent fatigue, boost mental clarity and promote restful sleep.
At John Knox Village, exercise is anything but boring. Here, folks have numerous activities to enjoy, including ping pong, pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, billiards, croquet and golf. Many also get their fitness jam through classes taught by experienced practitioners like Latin dance, tai chi, circuit core and yoga.
If you’re a water person, you’ll love our beautiful new aquatic center, which sets the stage for water aerobics, aqua games and swimming laps. Want to get your 10,000 steps in? Our campus has miles of beautiful paths. Some days, there’s nothing better than meeting friends for a walk, soaking up some vitamin D and treating yourself to a delicious smoothie when you’re done.

3. Keep Your Healthy Habits Flowing
Stop smoking. Take prescribed medications. Control your weight. These and other habits not only keep your heart beating strong, but also minimize your risk for diabetes and other chronic conditions.
When you live in a Life Plan Community like John Knox Village, you’ll have access to award-winning healthcare services delivered by medical professionals who can encourage you to make the right decisions about smoking, weight control and alcohol consumption. They can also be vital partners in managing any existing health problems that—left unchecked—might lead to heart disease. Best of all, you’ll have a supportive community of like-minded people who can provide feedback and encouragement.
4. Cultivate the Seven Dimensions of Wellness
Experts view wellness as having seven interdependent dimensions: mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, vocational and environmental. All add up to a dynamic, conscious development of your mind, body and spirit, so you can increase longevity and have more time to pursue your heart’s desires.
The wellness staff at John Knox Village knows firsthand how a steady regimen of exercise, learning and social interaction can dramatically improve the quality of life for all who call our community home. That’s why we’ve created a place that celebrates each dimension of wellness, helping our residents experience greater independence and a reduced risk of age-related health issues.
Come Discover Our Vibrant Community
If you want to make the next chapter of your life healthier, happier and more active, then consider John Knox Village of Central Florida. Better yet, stop by for a visit and see why we’re the ideal retirement destination for so many people. Call us at (386) 775-0788 today.