February isn't just about Valentine's Day—it's also American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and empowering families to prevent heart disease, especially among older adults. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, disproportionately affecting seniors, and impacting families from Mansfield and Ellington to Stafford Springs, Pomfret, and Woodstock, Connecticut.
Whether you're caring for an aging parent at home or looking for ways to keep your own heart healthy as you age, this month is the perfect opportunity to learn, act, and support senior wellness.
February's American Heart Month—established in 1963 by Congress and recognized by presidential proclamation—culminates in National Wear Red Day (February 6, 2026). This initiative encourages people to wear red in support of heart health, share photos and stories using #OurHearts, and participate in heart-healthy activities with loved ones. For families in the rural communities of Tolland and Windham counties, where aging in place is common, American Heart Month is an ideal time to build and reinforce heart-healthy routines at home.
How Aging Impacts Cardiovascular Health in Seniors
The Effects of Aging on the Heart
As we age, our cardiovascular system naturally changes. Arteries tend to stiffen, and blood pressure often rises. These age-related changes increase the risk for conditions like hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, and heart failure—all of which are especially relevant for seniors.
According to research on hypertension and heart failure, the lifetime risk doubles when blood pressure exceeds 160/90 mmHg compared to under 140/90 mmHg.
- Heart failure risk: Lifetime risk doubles when blood pressure exceeds 160/90 mmHg compared to under 140/90 mmHg.
- Systolic BP and heart failure: 38% of elderly heart failure cases occur even at systolic BP of 120-130 mmHg.
- Hypertension and mortality: Every 20 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure doubles the risk of death from ischemic heart disease.
In more rural areas like Pomfret and Woodstock, seniors often experience higher levels of isolation, which can make it harder to access care. However, there are free blood pressure screenings and support available through local Connecticut resources and Medicare counseling programs for heart medications.
Practical Takeaways
Track Blood Pressure
Monitor daily at home, aiming for less than 130/80 mmHg for heart failure patients (or as your healthcare provider recommends).
Access Resources
In Ellington or Somers, call Connecticut 211 for information on medication support and blood pressure clinics.
Join Community Events
Take part in local heart health activities, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
Recognizing Warning Signs and When to Seek Immediate Help
When caring for seniors with heart conditions, recognizing symptoms early can save lives. Quick action is vital for effective heart failure care at home.
Common Warning Signs in Seniors
| Warning Sign | What to Watch For | Immediate Action? |
|---|---|---|
| Shortness of breath | Trouble breathing, even at rest or lying down | Yes—call 911 if sudden/worsening |
| Swelling | Feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen | Yes, if rapid or severe |
| Chest pain or pressure | Any discomfort | Yes—call 911 immediately |
| Severe fatigue | Unusual, persistent tiredness | Monitor, call doctor if worsens |
The Critical Role of Bystanders
In the event of a cardiac arrest, bystanders are essential. Learn Hands-Only CPR—just call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Local senior centers in Stafford Springs often hold CPR classes; check their calendars or contact Connecticut aging services for more information.
Heart-Healthy Habits—Nutrition, Exercise, and Daily Routines
Adopting heart-healthy habits is the cornerstone of preventing heart disease in seniors and promoting cardiovascular health for the elderly.
Nutrition: Building Heart-Healthy Meals for Elderly Loved Ones
- Focus on: Lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains (like oats), lean proteins (such as salmon or skinless chicken), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts).
- Limit: Salt (aim for less than 2,300mg daily), processed foods, and added sugars.
- DASH Diet: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is especially effective for lowering blood pressure.
Exercise and Daily Routines
- 30-Minute Walks: Gentle daily walks—outdoors or indoors at a senior center—boost heart health. For those with limited mobility (common in Coventry), try seated exercises.
- Medication Management: Stick to prescribed blood pressure medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors for heart failure.
- Other Healthy Habits:
- Practice mindfulness or deep breathing to lower stress.
- Sleep 7–9 hours nightly; monitor for nighttime blood pressure spikes.
- Treating hypertension in the elderly can reduce heart failure by 48% and strokes by over 30%.
- Seniors without hypertension, obesity, or diabetes have an 85% lower risk of heart failure by age 45.
Windham County senior centers offer "Move with Heart" walks, and Home Instead's meal preparation services make heart-healthy eating easier.
Creating a Heart-Healthy Home Environment
A safe, supportive home setting is essential for cardiac rehabilitation and ongoing wellness for seniors with heart conditions.
Home Safety and Monitoring
- Clutter-Free Pathways: Prevent falls by keeping walkways clear.
- Medication Organizers: Use pill boxes or automatic dispensers to ensure correct doses.
- Blood Pressure Monitors: Track readings at home—especially important for those recovering from a cardiac event.
Key Statistic: Controlling blood pressure to below 140/90 mmHg can reduce coronary events by 20% and vascular deaths by 20% in the elderly.
In-Home Care for Heart Patients
Home Instead's personal care assistance and companionship services help seniors stick to routines, take medications on time, and stay active—all while reducing stress for family caregivers.
| Safety Step | Why It Matters | Who Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Install grab bars | Fall prevention | Family or home care |
| Weekly home check-ins | Ongoing support | Adult children, Home Instead |
| Medication review | Prevent mistakes | Pharmacist, Home Instead |
| Blood pressure log | Detect changes | Senior, caregiver |
The Role of Family Caregivers and Professional In-Home Support
Family caregivers are the backbone of support for seniors with heart disease, especially in rural areas like Woodstock and Stafford Springs where isolation is common.
The Importance of Daily Support
- Monitor for changes: Keep a daily log of blood pressure, medication adherence, and symptoms.
- Prevent Isolation: Regular check-ins—by phone or in person—help spot issues early and provide emotional support.
Leveraging Professional Help
Home Instead provides:
- Meal preparation and grocery support
- Gentle exercise prompts and walking companionship
- Post-cardiac event recovery and heart failure care at home
- 24-hour home care and respite care for family caregivers
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure log | Daily | Note time & value |
| Medication check | Daily | Mark doses taken |
| Symptom journal | Ongoing | Track fatigue, swelling, etc. |
| Schedule respite | As needed | Call Home Instead |
Local Connecticut Resources and Getting Involved This February
American Heart Month is a community effort—get involved and access helpful local supports!
Local Programs and Events
- Host a Wear Red Event: Organize at the Mansfield Senior Center or join a group walk.
- Connecticut Agencies:
- CT Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)
- Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders
- Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging
- Senior centers in Tolland and Windham counties
Get Involved
- Join an AHA Heart Walk or CPR training through your local senior center.
- Apply for the CT Community Care program and supplement with Home Instead's senior wellness services.
- Wear red on February 6 and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.
Unite for Senior Heart Health Across Northeastern Connecticut
