Many seniors have high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart attacks and strokes. Fortunately, your senior loved one can minimize the risk by simply lowering his or her cholesterol levels. To help your loved one remain healthy and maintain a higher quality of life, use these cholesterol-lowering strategies, brought to you by the Toronto elderly care experts at Home Care Assistance.
Incorporate More Fiber into the Diet
When your loved one eats fiber, it binds with cholesterol and helps pass it out of his or her body so less is absorbed. It is currently recommended for seniors to eat approximately 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, and doing so can lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 5 percent. Beans, fruits, and fresh vegetables are all excellent sources of fiber.
Encourage Exercise
Daily physical activity has many benefits for seniors, and one of the most important is an increase in healthy HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, seniors who exercise are less likely to eat unhealthy foods that contribute to high LDL cholesterol. Make sure your loved one has a way to exercise that fits his or her abilities and interests, and encourage adding a social element to help keep him or her accountable.
Omit Unhealthy Fats
People who primarily eat low-fat diets tend to have fewer heart attacks and strokes. Although it may be hard to limit red meat and fried foods, those who do could lower their cholesterol by as much as 20 percent. Whenever possible, your loved one should be encouraged to eat lean meats like fish accompanied by heart-healthy vegetables.
Include Nuts During Snack Time
When your loved one craves a snack, nuts are an excellent option since most types can lower LDL cholesterol. This is because they contain sterols that work like fiber to limit cholesterol from staying in the body. Many nuts are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can also have a powerful effect on lowering your loved one’s cholesterol.
These healthy lifestyle choices can be easier to manage with the help of a live-in or hourly caregiver in Toronto. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are available 24/7 to help with exercise, encourage healthy eating, and assist with a wide array of other daily tasks. For more information on how our in-home care services can help your loved one remain healthy, call one of our experienced Care Managers at (416) 488-8777 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.