14 Tips to Improve Cholesterol for Older Adults

As we age, our bodies go through many changes that can affect our health. One of the most important changes that can occur is an increase in cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by the liver and found in the bloodstream. It is essential for many bodily functions, including the production of hormones and the formation of cell membranes. However, when levels of cholesterol in the blood become too high, it can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for seniors, and high cholesterol levels are a major risk factor. This is why it is so important for seniors to take steps to improve their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease.

Fortunately, there are many simple lifestyle changes that seniors can make to improve their cholesterol levels. By incorporating healthy habits into their daily routine, seniors can improve their overall health and reduce their risk of heart disease. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that seniors can improve their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease. With the following 14 tips to improve cholesterol for older adults, you can get your health on the right track!

Try These Tips to Improve Your Cholesterol

     1. Exercise

Physical activities like working out for an hour or two every day effectively improve cholesterol in older adults. For better results, focus on cardiovascular workouts between half an hour to two hours. They should be moderate exercises to avoid stressing the body. You can try dancing routines, swimming, jogging, or biking/spinning.

     2. Cut Back on Cholesterol Intake

We need cholesterol for certain vital functions in the body. However, especially as we age, it is important to moderate our intake. This will not only keep our cholesterol level in check but also promote a healthy heart. Therefore, go slow on foods like fatty red meat, whole milk, and cheese.

     3. Quit Smoking

Are you still smoking? Well, you should quit if you need to improve your cholesterol levels. From studies, smoking tampers with the normal functioning of the immune cells. As such, they are unable to shed cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels for transportation to the liver. Due to this, clogging of arteries occurs more quickly among smokers, promoting heart disease. Luckily, you can reverse the effects and improve cholesterol levels when you quit smoking.

Need help breaking bad habits? Click here! 

     4. Watch Your Weight

How much do you weigh? Check with your doctor if you are within normal range or overweight. By losing excess weight, cholesterol improves. Losing weight is very feasible. You just need consistency and determination to succeed. In addition to that, a few weight loss tips are important. For instance:

• Adopt a healthy diet
• Practice regular physical activities
• Always staying hydrated

     5. Limit or Quit Alcohol Consumption 

According to the American Heart Association, alcohol should be consumed in moderation. If you are a heavy drinker, then try to scale back. If you quit, it's even better. Excessive alcohol intake promotes higher triglyceride levels in your blood. With an excess amount of this fat in the blood, you are vulnerable to arterial fibrillation and hypertension.

     6. Increase Fiber

Include more fiber in your diet. Include whole grains like beans, oatmeal, prunes, and apples, among others. Fiber is essential in regulating cholesterol in the blood. It works by suppressing the absorption of cholesterol into the blood. Fiber intake also lowers your cravings by promoting satiety. And as such, you can manage your weight more comfortably.

Click here to learn more about why (and how) to increase your fiber intake!

     7. Replace Red Meat with Fish

How much do you love fish? Well, it might be one of the simplest means to scale back your cholesterol. By eating fish two to four times weekly, it improves your cholesterol. At the same time, you need to reduce red meat consumption since it is rich in saturated fat. On that note, try varieties like bluefin tuna, sardines, and salmon.

     8. Try Nuts

Most varieties of nuts are effective in improving cholesterol for older adults, among other age groups. They have a rich supply of sterols that work the same way as fiber. They limit the absorption of cholesterol into the blood. However, you should always keep in check your consumption. Remember, nuts are also rich in calories and could promote weight gain.

     9. Relax

Under stress, the cholesterol levels in the blood can spike up. This can be dangerous, especially among older adults. Therefore, you need to note what makes you calm and happy, and then focus on it. For instance, you can try yoga, chat with friends, or read a book.

     10. Try Spicy Foods

If you love spicy food, then you can use this moment to improve your cholesterol. It's also a simple strategy for seniors to manage their cholesterol. It cuts across every food, from a simple cappuccino to a full-course meal. And all you have to do is spice up with coriander, cinnamon, ginger, or curcumin, among others.

     11. Be Happy

When was the last time you were happy? Do you know that being happy and laughing often improves cholesterol? Yes, it works! So, as an older adult, engage in what makes you happy and boosts your HDL levels. And with higher HDL levels, more bad cholesterol will be shed from your system with ease. Consequently, your heart health will improve.

     12. Take Supplements

Not everyone can stomach the various foods recommended for improving cholesterol. If you are in a similar position, then get supplements. Studies have shown that taking supplements like fish oil can be efficient in managing cholesterol. Besides fish oil, there are soluble fiber supplements, among others. Ask your doctor if this is right for you and for recommendations.

     13. Quit Trans Fats

Are you still cooking with trans fats? Then this might be the cause for your spiking cholesterol. According to studies, trans fats enhance both LDL and cholesterol while suppressing good HDL. Therefore, by quitting trans fats, you can reverse this effect.

     14. Choose Monounsaturated Fats

Monounsaturated fats like olive oil and canola oil are some of the best fats to consume for a better cholesterol level. According to studies, consuming monounsaturated fats enhances HDL more than a diet rich in saturated fat.

While cholesterol is vital and needed by the body, it can wreak havoc on your health and cause terminal diseases. But when under normal levels, you can enjoy a long and healthy life full of vitality. The above 14 tips to improve cholesterol for older adults are handy for any senior. Each of the tips will ensure that seniors can better manage cholesterol levels and be more resistant to stroke and hypertension, among other diseases.