September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and there are several groups of people who may benefit from knowing more about cholesterol in the body and the importance of keeping its levels in healthy ranges. One such group is seniors, who may be more susceptible to cholesterol-related issues for a few reasons – but can easily enough control these with the right approaches.

At Cozy Retire, we’re happy to provide numerous caring services to all guests in our senior living and assisted living communities for people in Kaysville, Layton, Ogden and nearby areas, including maintenance of any health initiatives necessary. Here are a few basics on why seniors may be at greater risk for cholesterol issues than others, plus some basic tips for seniors and their caregivers on how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Why Seniors May Be at Greater Risk of High Cholesterol

There are a few reasons why seniors may be at greater risk of high cholesterol. Age is a factor – as people get older, their bodies become less efficient in processing and breaking down LDL or “bad” cholesterol. And certain medications can reduce the production of HDL or “good” cholesterol, leading to an accumulative effect over time. Even lifestyle changes like smoking, eating unhealthy diets, and not getting enough exercise can play a role.

Luckily, with the right approaches, seniors can still maintain healthy cholesterol levels. We’ll go over some tips for doing so in our subsequent sections.

Walking and Other Simple Exercise

One of the simplest and most effective steps seniors can take to maintain healthy cholesterol levels is making time for regular exercise. Walking, hiking and other low-impact activities are great choices for seniors that don’t require significant strain or injury risk. Exercise helps the body produce more HDL cholesterol, as well as improve blood circulation – both of which are important components of overall health in seniors.

Eating Habits

Another key component of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is making nutritious dietary choices. A balanced diet that’s rich in dairy, whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables – while avoiding processed foods – can go a long way towards keeping senior cholesterol levels in check.

In addition, promote things like citrus fruits, garlic, beans, and nuts – all of which can help support healthy cholesterol levels.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

When it comes to things seniors should be doing their best to avoid for their healthy cholesterol levels, alcohol and tobacco top the list. Smoking in particular can lead to plaque buildup in blood vessels that may contribute to high cholesterol levels – so quitting smoking should absolutely be a priority for seniors.

As you can see, maintaining healthy senior cholesterol levels doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating the tips we’ve discussed here into their lifestyle, seniors can easily help keep their cholesterol levels in check and enjoy a longer, more vibrant life.

At Cozy Retire, we work hard to provide each of our guests with all the resources they need to stay active, eat nutritiously and live life to its fullest. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you or your loved one enjoy life in our warm, welcoming community.