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Cholesterol Education Month: How Can Seniors Fight High Cholesterol?

Aug 31, 2018

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. For seniors, controlling cholesterol levels is more important than ever.  Let’s talk about why lowering your cholesterol is so important.


Cholesterol: Good and Bad

There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. The good guys, also called HDL (high-density lipoproteins), help bring cholesterol deposits away from the blood vessel walls. The bad guys, or LDL (low-density lipoproteins), cause cholesterol deposits to settle into blood vessels. Most doctors agree that total cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dL. LDL, in particular, should be very low–especially in individuals who have heart disease or are at risk of developing it. HDL levels should be around 60 mg/dL. Another factor to consider is triglyceride levels. The recommended level of triglycerides in the blood is 150 mg/dL.


Why Is High Cholesterol Bad?

Low-density lipoprotein–the bad cholesterol–has been linked to higher risk of atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries). High levels of LDL in the blood cause fatty deposits to stick to blood vessel walls rather than be expelled from the body through the liver. Atherosclerosis has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke because it causes the arteries to narrow. This in turn restricts the flow of blood and weakens the artery walls.


How Can Seniors Reduce Cholesterol?

There are several ways you can reduce your cholesterol if it’s gotten too high. Most doctors agree that losing excess weight is a good way to naturally lower cholesterol. You can also add heart-healthy foods to your diet. Oily fish, oats, whole grains, fruits high in pectin (apples, strawberries, citrus fruits), eggplant and okra are just a few great foods for cholesterol control. If you’re serious about lowering your cholesterol, you absolutely have to give up smoking. Smoking has a negative impact on blood pressure, stroke risk, and oxygen levels in the blood. Have more questions about heart health, cholesterol or senior wellness? Check out our blog for regular content updates!

Hobby Ideas for Seniors

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Having a hobby can help you to stay mentally and physically active, as well as provide a sense of purpose. Hobbies can be anything. It could be gardening, joining a book club, or even playing video games. Engaging in leisure activities can help promote a healthy lifestyle and alleviate boredom.

Long-Term Care for Veteran Spouses

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The cost of long-term care for seniors can be high, but certain veteran benefits can help to offset these costs. The US Department of Veteran Affairs offers benefits like disability compensation, VA pension, or long-term care assistance based on specific requirements. Veterans whose income exceeds the legal limit for a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit if they have significant medical expenses that are not reimbursed.

Post-Stroke Depression and Cognitive Changes

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Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common and serious complication after a stroke. Studies show that almost one-third of stroke survivors are affected by depression. Unfortunately, it's largely unrecognized, underdiagnosed, and under-treated.

Preventing Caregiver Fatigue Following the Holiday Season

10 Jan, 2023
Caregiver fatigue is a state of burnout when a caregiver reaches the point of psychological, emotional, and physical exhaustion. It may result in a shift in outlook from positivity and concern to pessimism and indifference; as a caregiver, you may often put the needs of the ill or elderly person you are looking after ahead of yours.

How to Know When a Senior Should Give Up Driving

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Do you worry about your senior relative’s driving skills? As people age, their hearing, vision, and reflexes might deteriorate. If the senior is dealing with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other cognitive conditions, the risk of motor accidents is higher.

A Holiday Wellbeing Checklist for Seniors

01 Nov, 2022
The holiday season is here, and we all look forward to spending quality time with our loved ones. While we enjoy special meals at home and go out and do multiple things to create everlasting memories, holidays can be stressful and may heighten the feeling of isolation and sadness in our older loved ones.

What Is a Memory Care Facility?

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A memory care facility is a place where long-term care is given to those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive-degenerative dementia. They receive personalized support from memory care specialists. Although, it may seem more appropriate to use the term “community” instead of “facility,” since the word “facility” can bring up images of a place that seems more like a cold, detached building or a hospital.

The Life-changing Benefits of Active Senior Living

01 Sep, 2022
Active senior living is a way of life for retirees who want to make the most of their lives and live as independently as possible. Most active senior living communities offer assisted living, independent living, and life care facilities, too.

How Seniors Can Find Purpose After Losing a Loved One

01 Aug, 2022
Losing a loved one is one of the biggest challenges that older people face. The demise of those near and dear could leave an older adult with grief beyond words and loneliness. Friends and family give us a reason to live, add value to life, and their loss cannot be replaced. Old age is a time when people are delicate and vulnerable, both emotionally and physically. While going through this stage, seniors must be motivated to live on.
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