High levels of cholesterol can be very dangerous and pose many different health risks for seniors. Seniors with high cholesterol are at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. By making small changes to their daily routines and eating habits, seniors can lower their cholesterol levels while still enjoying their favorite foods. All that’s required are a positive attitude, willingness to make small changes, and commitment. Here are several simple ways seniors can work toward lowering their cholesterol.
Increase Physical Activity
Regular exercise decreases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while also increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. If your senior loved one devotes 30 minutes each day to a moderate physical activity, his or her cholesterol levels may decrease quickly. Senior-friendly physical activities include walking around the neighborhood, light weight lifting, riding a stationary bicycle, swimming, and practicing yoga, an activity gaining popularity among seniors.
If your loved one has health conditions or mobility issues that make it challenging to exercise alone, a home caregiver can help. When considering at-home care, Las Vegas, NV, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Eat More Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. It also speeds up digestive processes and helps the body get rid of waste more quickly. Try to incorporate leafy vegetables, whole grains, flaxseed, and nuts into your loved one’s meals. If you need help with meal preparation or physical restrictions have limited your loved one’s ability to use certain appliances, seek assistance from a professional caregiver.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, increase HDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and fight inflammation in the body. There are many superfoods you can incorporate into your loved one’s diet that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon and other seafood, kidney beans, walnuts, edamame, wild rice, and grass-fed meats.
If you have a loved one who needs help maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, consider hiring a professional caregiver with training and expertise in proper nutrition for seniors. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Assisting Hands Home Care Las Vegas can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at 702-919-0231 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
