High cholesterol can be a serious health problem for many seniors. It significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several simple steps that can be taken to lower bad cholesterol levels, raise good ones and help seniors remain healthy!
Make Simple Dietary Changes
Let’s face it: Major diet changes are never easy. However, by encouraging your loved one or client to make a few simple changes, their cholesterol levels can be lowered–and often, they won’t notice what they’re missing. Try some of these strategies:
- Eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna
- Try whole grain products instead of their processed alternatives
- Avoid trans fats
- Eat fewer processed foods
- Minimize refined carbohydrates
- Add in foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables
Incorporate Simple Activities
When your client or loved one isn’t moving, it’s easier for bad cholesterol to build up, hardening their veins and making it difficult for them to get healthier. Regular activity, on the other hand, can decrease bad cholesterol! Try some of these simple activities:
- Take up dancing! Classes together can be a great bonding experience.
- Get out and take a walk several times a week.
- Go for a swim. During the summer months, swimming outside is a fun, free exercise. Even during the winter, many gyms offer indoor water aerobics programs.
- Start gardening. Growing pretty flowers or fruits and vegetables is both healthy and invigorating!
- Find a class at your local gym or senior center. There are plenty to choose from and they’re sure to find something appealing!
Decrease Portion Size
There are a number of foods that are very healthy and full of cholesterol-fighting properties. Unfortunately, many of them are also high in calories. Whether you’re changing your senior’s diet to incorporate more good fats or they’re indulging in a favorite treat, practicing portion control is the best way to ensure that the treatment will be healthy, rather than causing more health problems down the road.
Encourage Socialization
Regular social contact with others has a higher impact on the body’s overall health–including cholesterol levels–than giving up smoking. If your loved one is struggling with high cholesterol levels, consider looking for more ways to get them out and about, socializing with loved ones. This could include:
- More family time! Take vacations together, plan family events, or just get together and hang out.
- Getting involved with a local church or charity.
- Spending more time at the local senior center, engaging in activities they offer.
Increased socialization won’t just help with cholesterol levels. It will also help your senior loved one live longer and enjoy a fuller, happier life–so make sure that socialization is an on-going priority.
Laugh Often
Laughter is known to give you a healthier heart. It raises the levels of good cholesterol in your blood, decreases stress, and even offers an immune system boost! Watch funny movies or read funny books with your client or loved one. When you’re not around, encourage them to engage in these pastimes on their own as well.
Drop the Bad Habits
As your loved one approaches their senior years, it’s time to think about what those bad habits are really worth–most notably, smoking and drinking. Both regular alcohol consumption and a smoking habit can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels, leaving your loved one struggling to get their health under control. Simply giving up those habits, on the other hand, can keep them around longer.
Follow Doctors’ Recommendations
If your loved one has been prescribed a medication for high cholesterol, it’s important that they take it exactly as prescribed! Their doctor is monitoring their cholesterol levels and will adjust the medication as needed. Many people believe that as their cholesterol drops, they no longer need the medication. Unfortunately, this can simply complicate the issue and lead to a greater need for medication later on.
Dealing with high cholesterol in a loved one isn’t easy, especially with all the fears it brings up. If you need more help caring for your senior loved one, contact us today to learn how we can help.