Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for seniors, and cholesterol plays a significant role in heart health. However, many seniors might not understand what cholesterol is and why it matters. The good news is that senior home care providers can help seniors research the information they need to gain a better understanding of cholesterol so they can take the best care of their health.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol, which is a waxy substance found in the blood, is essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. However, there are two kinds of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol through the circulation, which is where things sometimes get confusing.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL is involved in the artery-clogging accumulation of plaque, which can cause the arteries to narrow and lose their elasticity. Atherosclerosis is the name of the condition that can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Often referred to as “good” cholesterol, HDL carries LDL cholesterol to the liver for processing and eventual excretion from the body, assisting in its removal from the arteries. An inverse relationship exists between heart disease risk and higher levels of HDL.
Essentially, seniors should strive for a balanced diet that includes more HDL cholesterol and less LDL cholesterol with the help of senior home care services and family caregivers.
Why Should Seniors Care About Cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age due to a slower metabolism, alterations in hormone levels, and sedentary behavior. Seniors should be especially concerned about high cholesterol because it sometimes goes undiagnosed until a major incident like a heart attack or stroke occurs. High cholesterol also often correlates with other risk factors, which are widespread in seniors, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Tips for Controlling Cholesterol Levels
With the above-mentioned information in mind, it’s easy to see why seniors should focus on controlling their cholesterol levels. The good news is that they don’t have to do it on their own. They can gain vital support from loved ones, senior home care professionals, and their medical team.
Additionally, focusing on the following tips can help:
Eat With Intention
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like chicken and fish), and healthy fats (like those in nuts, seeds, and olive oil) is what seniors should prioritize. Also, oats, beans, and lentils are among the foods high in fiber that can lower LDL cholesterol because they bind to the cholesterol in the digestive system and stop it from entering the bloodstream.
Focus on Physical Activity
Frequent exercise is essential for controlling cholesterol levels and preserving good heart functioning. Exercise lowers triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
Walking, swimming, or cycling are some examples seniors might enjoy. With the support of senior home care providers, they can be encouraged to shoot for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity and excess weight can lower HDL cholesterol and raise LDL cholesterol. It’s critical to maintain a healthy weight for heart health in general and cholesterol control in particular. Even a small reduction in body weight can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Maintaining good cholesterol levels is crucial for seniors’ heart health. With the help of senior home care and their medical team, they can learn about cholesterol and take steps to control it.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Chesterfield, MO, please contact the caring staff at Pear Tree Home Care today! (314) 942-9411
Pear Tree Home Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in St. Louis, Ladue, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Des Peres, St. Charles, Wildwood, Brentwood, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Creve Coeur, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.
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At Pear Tree we’re innovators. Our goal, to create a family of caregivers looking to provide a one of a kind experience to our clientele.
In 2016, our founders noticed a key problem in home care industry that everyone seemed to be ignoring.
It’s too systematic. Home care isn’t one size fits all. Just like people aren’t one size fits all.
That’s where Pear Tree comes in.
We yearn for you to have the best possible care for your loved ones and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they aren’t only in good hands. They’re in great hands. Because, in the end, that’s what we’d want for our family.
It’s proven. When the home care experience is immersive and personalized, you’re going to produce better success rates with healthier family members.
Please, join us in our journey of revolutionizing the home care industry and creating lasting relationships along the way.
This is not the first Home Care agency for Pat, she was the Director of nursing for Kimberly Nurses in 1980 and after the tragic passing of the companies president she opened and co-founded American Nursing Resources Home Health Agency. Pat opened and passed Medicare certification for ANRHHA Clayton and Washington, MO offices.
For Zachary, the name “Pear Tree” is a tribute to his beloved late friend; Wade Abbadessa. Wade worked at his family’s famous restaurant “The Pear Tree” in Macon, until his tragic death in September 2014. Wade lost his battle with a rare form of bone cancer at the young age of 26. His legacy will live on through our company.
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