Active Aging
February is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to check in not only on how your heart works, but also how your heart feels.
Heart health isn’t just about your cholesterol levels or the number of steps you take; it’s also about joy, connection, and finding movement that actually makes you want to keep going.
Here are a few heart-healthy exercises that are fun, approachable, and surprisingly uplifting.
Dance Your Way Into a Better Mood
You don’t have to be a trained dancer to benefit from moving to music.
Dance-based fitness like Zumba, line dancing, or simple cardio dance classes can be downright energizing. The music is upbeat, the moves are easy to follow, and the laughter and joy you get from messing up the steps together is a great perk.
Dance raises your heart rate and helps balance, endurance, and coordination. Emotionally, it gives an endorphin boost that eases tension and lifts your mood.
For many older adults, the social aspect also matters — sharing a class fosters connection, which is as vital as exercise. If classes aren’t your thing, try putting on a favorite song at home and dancing through a couple of choruses. It counts, and it feels just as good.
Try a Brisk “Gratitude Walk”
Walking has always been a heart-health staple, but adding gratitude makes it even more meaningful.
A “gratitude walk” simply means finding a few things to be thankful for as you move. Maybe it’s the sunshine, the cozy scarf you’re wearing, or a memory that pops into your mind.
The shift is small, but the impact can be big. Brisk walking strengthens the heart, supports healthy blood pressure, and improves circulation. It’s low-impact, adaptable for different fitness levels, and easy to weave into a busy schedule.
On the emotional side, practicing gratitude helps lower stress, which is something the heart definitely appreciates. Even just 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a difference.
If you have aging parents who enjoy getting outside, turn this into a shared habit. It’s a simple way to support both their physical health and emotional well-being.
Play a Low-Impact Pickleball Game
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, especially among older adults, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s fast enough to get the heart pumping but gentle enough not to overload the joints. Plus, it’s fun, whether you’re skilled or just starting out.
A low-impact game (as opposed to a competitive match) includes light jogging, easy swings, and comfortable movement that raises the heart rate without pushing too hard.
It’s also social, which can do wonders for your mood, motivation, and sense of community.
If balance or mobility is a concern, plenty of facilities offer beginner classes or modified rules. Many players say they show up for the game but stay for the laughter.
Joy Really Does Support Heart Health
While exercise strengthens the physical heart, the emotional heart often gets overlooked.
Over time, stress, loneliness, and worry can take a real toll on your cardiovascular health. That’s why joyful movement matters. When you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing, your body relaxes, stress melts away, and it becomes easier to stay committed.
Think of these activities as ways to nurture both sides of your heart. Dance brings playfulness. Gratitude walks bring calm. Pickleball brings connection. Put together, they create a heart-health routine that feels doable — and even delightful.
Start Small and Build From There
You don’t need a big overhaul to make progress. Pick one activity you’re curious about and give it a try this month. Invite a friend, bring a parent, or just enjoy a little “you time.” Small steps are still steps, and consistency is what keeps the heart strong.
This February, celebrate American Heart Month by choosing movement that lifts your spirits while strengthening your heart. Joyful exercise isn’t just good for you; it’s good to you.
