Recognizing Early Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women Over 60

Heart disease isn’t just a men’s health issue—it’s the leading cause of death for women. Yet, many women over 60 don't realize that their symptoms can look very different from men’s. While chest pain is a well-known warning sign, women often experience more subtle symptoms that can be easy to overlook.

For seniors in retirement communities Beaverton, OR, knowing these early signs can help you take action before a small issue turns into something serious.

Why Heart Disease Symptoms Look Different in Women

Women’s hearts are smaller, and their arteries respond differently to plaque buildup and stress. This means that while men may experience sudden, crushing chest pain, women often develop symptoms that are more gradual and harder to pinpoint.

Many women dismiss early warning signs, assuming they’re just tired, stressed, or dealing with normal aging. In senior living paying attention to your body can be life-saving.

Subtle Signs of Heart Disease in Women

Unexplained Fatigue

• Feeling exhausted after normal activities

• Struggling to get through the day despite resting well

Many women report extreme fatigue weeks before a heart attack, often describing it as feeling "wiped out" without reason.

Shortness of Breath

• Becoming winded while climbing stairs or doing light activity

• Feeling out of breath when lying down

If you find yourself struggling to breathe during everyday tasks, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

Discomfort in the Neck, Jaw, or Back

• Pain or pressure that comes and goes

• Discomfort that isn’t linked to movement or muscle strain

Women often don’t feel classic chest pain but instead experience pain in areas that seem unrelated to the heart.

Nausea or Indigestion

• Feeling queasy or experiencing stomach pain

• Heartburn-like discomfort that doesn’t go away

Heart disease symptoms can sometimes mimic digestive issues, making it easy to mistake them for something minor.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

• Sudden dizziness when standing up or moving

• Feeling faint for no obvious reason

This can be caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain, which may signal heart trouble.

What to Do If You Notice These Symptoms

When in independent living, if something feels "off," don’t ignore it. Trust your instincts. Many women downplay their symptoms or assume they're overreacting, but early detection can prevent serious complications.

• Track your symptoms – Write down what you’re experiencing and how often it happens.

• Schedule a check-up – Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. A doctor can run tests to check for heart issues.

• Know your risk factors – High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and family history all increase the risk of heart disease.

Adopting a Pet is a Good Investment for Seniors’ Wellbeing

When a senior makes the commitment to adopt a pet, it is a sign that they made a promise to invest their love and care into the upkeep of another being. Experts say this is one of the most positive things you can do as an old person. The benefit of a pet is a two-way deal as not only does the pet get a loving home but the person gets the satisfaction of taking care of another living thing. Also if you do live alone, a dog can provide a good sense of security. After all, a thief doesn’t know your dog is only a pussycat in disguise.

Pets provide unconditional love and companionship and are there to support a person when needed. In fact many pets mold their personality to their owners and seem able to read the mood of their person. Pet ownership additionally forces a person to stick to a routine as the pet is relying on them for their wellbeing. In other words, even if you don’t feel like getting up in the morning, your pet is counting on you. Moreover the companionship a pet provides can help relieve the loneliness many seniors feel.

If you opt for a dog, you may need to get out and take it for a walk. Surveys show seniors who own dogs report getting more exercise than their non-dog-owner counterparts. Walking your dog may become a permanent part of your daily exercise, and your walk may include being greeted by others and engaging in conversation. Even if you have a hard time meeting new people a dog can be a wonderful icebreaker. Other duties such as taking your dog to the groomer or the vet keeps you connected to an active social life.

Before you commit to a pet, experts say to consider its and your physical limitations along with the animal’s need for exercise and attention as well as the cost of pet ownership. Another suggestion is to have a backup plan for pet care if you should become unable to care for the pet. 

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we are honored to provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our 55+ community’s elegant suites are available in studios, and one- and two bedroom configurations with some as large as 1,374 square feet; and many with private patios or balconies. Reflections Neighborhood offers dedicated memory care Arvada, CO families have come to count on.

Make Sleep a Priority in 2025

Experts say it is a myth that older adults do not need as much sleep as they did when they were younger. Studies show at least seven hours a night of sleep is critical to brain health and cognitive health. If you consistently wake up several times during the night and still wake up early every day, it may be time to make changes to your nightly routine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports due to sleep disturbances that frequently come with age, many seniors get less REM sleep. REM is an important cycle in our sleep and includes the period in which we dream. It is also believed to help consolidate memory. In addition, during our deep sleep cycle, the brain purges toxins and waste products including amyloid beta, which can gradually clump together to form amyloid plaques, found in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

A chronic lack of sleep can affect a person’s mood. The magazine, Frontiers in Physiology, published a report citing 6 studies showing less than 7 hours of sleep a night in older adults was linked to a higher risk for depression. Psychological Medicine reports on another study of adults who were on average age 72 who frequently said they woke during the night. It found participants were more likely to report a depressed mood.

The Mayo Clinic has a few tips to help you sleep through the night such as going to bed and getting up around the same time each day. They caution about going to sleep hungry or very full and to eat at least a few hours before bedtime. Also watch your consummation of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine products a couple of hours before bedtime. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, and refrain from viewing light-emitting screens right before sleep. They say it is important to manage your stress levels and to try and get some exercise each day.

MorningStar of Beaverton senior living provides independent living and assisted living designed to allow older adults enjoyable, carefree retirement years. MorningStar’s individualized memory care is available from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required. Our dedicated Reflections Neighborhood’s 38 memory care suites offer your loved one the safety, security, people and programs to help nurture, elevate and celebrate life. Contact us to schedule a personalized tour of our beautiful independent living community.

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379

How to Prevent Brittle Bones

The Harvard Medical School recently published an article explaining it should be on the top of a senior’s daily to-do list to protect bone health especially if you have been diagnosed with osteopenia. After the age of 60, bone loss speeds up, and experts warn if we do not do something to prevent the loss, it will continue and may result in osteoporosis.

If you are a woman who has gone through menopause or are over the age of 65, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a bone density scan. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis such as family history, low body weight, smoke or take certain medications, your doctor may recommend a test earlier.

While osteopenia is not full blown osteoporosis it is a sign a person’s bone density is decreasing and they may be at risk for osteoporosis, a condition where bones easily and repeatedly break. The disease can be so severe it can even lead to a loss of independence. Staying healthy is important as it can help slow down the progress of osteopenia to osteoporosis.

Statistics report more than 2 million bone fractures each year in the U.S. are attributed to osteoporosis but there are things we can do to prevent as well as treat the disease to keep bones strong and healthy. While there are medications to stave off the damage, they are typically reserved for those who already have osteoporosis. Treatment for low bone density such as osteopenia is treated mainly through diet and exercise.

Bones become stronger when we put force on them or pull on them with weight-bearing exercises. These include resistance training, body-weight exercises and walking at a brisk pace. Other effective things to prevent or treat bone loss are aerobics, balance and posture exercises.

Diet is another important step in preventing osteoporosis. Doctors recommend getting as much calcium as you can through foods like dairy, sardines and leafy greens. Protein is also important for seniors and protects brain health as well as builds strong bones. Other recommendations include talking to your doctor about taking a vitamin D3 supplement; and limiting alcohol consumption to not more than one drink a day.

MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers the area’s finest independent living and assisted living. Wellness programs and activities promote healthier, more purposeful lives; and all-day, restaurant-style dining and luxury amenities give seniors the freedom to pursue life-long interests, explore new hobbies and make new friends. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic memory care Arvada, CO families trust. Contact us to learn more and ask about our special memory care offer.

When is it Time for Cataract Surgery?

Statistics show cataracts affect approximately 24 million Americans and are the leading cause of blindness throughout the world. They occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy due to the breakdown of its proteins, resulting in blurry, hazy or less colorful vision. Age is the primary reason for cataracts and typically starts around the age of 60. As they take a long time to develop; many people do not notice the gradual blurring of their vision. Individuals with diabetes may experience the problem at a much younger age.

If during an eye exam your doctor mentions you have the start of cataracts, they may tell you it is not to the point where surgery is required; but may recommend increasing the strength of your eye prescription. However if you are told the problem is far enough along to warrant surgery keep in mind it is a fairly routine procedure but do talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks to determine if it is the right time for you.

There are a few signs that may make it easier to decide if you want to do the surgery. These include having a hard time driving at night due to cloudy vision and not being able to read as well or watch TV because of the cataracts. Double-vision and seeing colors as faded or yellowish are other signs. Another reason it may be time to schedule the surgery is the cataracts are making it difficult for your doctor to do a thorough exam of your eyes.

One of the best ways to slow down cataracts is to wear sunglasses with UV protection and to quit smoking. If you see “halos” or can’t handle glare while driving at night, stop driving after dark. Experts say cataract surgery has a high success rate but it can take anywhere from two to six weeks to fully recover.

At MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community, we are proud to bring to the area the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our 66 bright suites are available in a choice of floorplans and configurations (some as large as 974 square feet) and deliver style, comfort, services, amenities and location for a carefree lifestyle. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, we offer 38 memory care suites. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful community and to schedule a personalized tour to meet our dedicated team and resident-heroes.

Warning Signs of Glaucoma

Statistics show glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide, and it is important to know in the early stages, there are usually no symptoms. This is why Medicare says half of the people who have the disease do not know they have it.

The best way for someone to know if they have glaucoma is to get screened for it through a dilated eye exam with visual field testing. For seniors on Medicare, the program covers one glaucoma screening each year for individuals at high risk.

The National Eye Institute wants the public to know early treatment of the disease can stop the damage and protect your eyes from serious vision loss. People most at risk for glaucoma include those with diabetes, a family history, African-Americans over the age of 50 and Hispanics age 65 or older.

As stated earlier, glaucoma in the first stages does not generally exhibit symptoms for most people. Later on, symptoms include the loss of side (peripheral) vision and blind spots, and without treatment blindness. Since symptoms start so slowly, many people do not notice the change to their vision.

The cause of glaucoma is not known but it is linked to high pressure in the eyes; and one treatment is to lower the eye pressure through medication. While one or both eyes can be affected, some people with high eye pressure do not have glaucoma. There are several different types of the disease with open-angle glaucoma being the most common in the United States. Treatments include eye drops, lasers and surgery.

The National Eye Institute recommends getting a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you are over the age 60 or at a higher risk for glaucoma. Many at high risk including those with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

MorningStar of Arvada has proudly earned a reputation as one of the finest senior living communities for independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families count on. Unlike other senior communities, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and it is our privilege to now serve those who first served us. Please ask about our Memory Care Special: Move in by January 31 & March is Rent Free.

Does Your Parent with Alzheimer’s Need More Care?

Luckily the progression of some cases of Alzheimer’s can be modestly slowed down with today’s medications especially if given in the first few months of the onset of the disease. The Mayo Clinic explains while medications do not cure or stop the damage being done by the disease, they can help healthy brain cells work as well as they can.

They explain it is critical that the person and their caregivers work with a healthcare team to review symptoms and change treatments when needed. At some point medications stop working and families may need to have plans in place to care for the person especially if their safety is at risk, they are falling or have unattended access to appliances. Other indications include realizing your loved one is having trouble with daily personal tasks such as eating, bathing and properly taking their medications.

Losing weight can be a sign the person is forgetting to eat or needs supervision to eat. Also a family caregiver may feel overwhelmed by the level of care the person now needs particularly if they are becoming agitated and/or aggressive; or if they need care 24 hours a day.

For many families the solution is a move to a dedicated memory care community where the person can receive the services and compassionate care required including meaningful activities and healthy meals designed for their needs. At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we compassionately provide all-inclusive, holistic memory care designed to enhance quality of life. With 29 suites, our Reflections Neighborhood is able to care for residents in an intimate, supportive and loving environment; and independence is encouraged through clear wayfinding and inviting common areas.

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease and would benefit from more extensive care, please contact us. We welcome residents from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. Contact us to set up a personalized tour to learn more about memory care Arvada, CO families trust; or ask about our independent living and assisted living.