Helping Seniors Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels can be a source of stress for seniors. Here’s what seniors and their loved ones need to know.

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About 37 percent of U.S. adults have a higher than recommended LDL cholesterol level. Since this can increase risk of heart disease or stroke — and since seniors are already at higher risk of such health problems — it’s important for aging individuals to understand cholesterol. (Source: CDC)

What Cholesterol Is All About

Although many people think of cholesterol as something negative to avoid, cholesterol is actually a natural substance the body makes on its own. It helps cells make hormones, digest food, and more. Besides the cholesterol your body makes, you can also consume cholesterol in eggs, meat, and other foods.

There are three types of cholesterol doctors measure:

• High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
• Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
• Triglycerides

HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because its function is to clear out LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can build up plaque in the arteries. Triglycerides can also accumulate and affect the heart. When doctors give patients their “cholesterol level,” higher HDL numbers are good news; higher LDL and/or triglyceride numbers are commonly referred to as “high cholesterol” and increase the risk of heart disease. (Source: MedlinePlus)

C A R E G I V E R S

Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels

How to Manage Cholesterol Levels

Seniors tend to be at an elevated risk of heart disease simply because of the aging process. When a senior also has high cholesterol, their heart disease risk increases. It is important for seniors to manage their cholesterol levels in order to keep arteries clear and functional.

Here’s how cholesterol can be managed:

• Medication: There are a few medications that help lower bad cholesterol levels and increase HDL. The most common medications are called statins.
• Dietary Changes: Since cholesterol levels can be affected by what you eat, seniors with high LDL or triglycerides should:
  • Avoid unhealthy fats
  • Eat healthier fats
  • Get plenty of fiber
  • Reduce sugar intake
  • Reach a healthy weight
• Exercise Regularly: The body can manage conditions like high cholesterol better if you are physically active. Exercise stimulates many important natural processes, and simply taking walks is a great start.

(Source: WebMD)

Risks Associated with Poor Cholesterol Levels

The consequences of having too much LDL cholesterol include:

• Clogged arteries
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Higher risk of stroke
• Reduced function of the cardiovascular system

(Source: MedicineNet)

Other Heart Disease Risk Factors

Besides high cholesterol, other risk factors for heart disease among seniors include:

• Race/ethnicity
• Smoking
• Conditions like diabetes or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Genetics
• High blood pressure

(Source: WebMD)

Home Care Tip

Seniors can often have high cholesterol without showing any symptoms. Encourage seniors to visit doctors regularly and receive recommended blood tests to check cholesterol levels, especially if they are at elevated risk due to obesity or a poor diet.

References:

• http://www.clearcareonline.com
• https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm
• https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterol.html
• https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/steps-to-reduce-cholesterol
• https://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol_management/article.htm
• https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/risk-factors-heart-disease

Mobility Aids for Seniors

Many seniors experience difficulty getting around independently. Mobility aids can offer stability and support. If a senior is unstable performing motions like sitting down or walking, it is essential to find mobility aids that fit their needs and ensure their safety.

Approximately 1/3 of older people living at home fall at least once a year. It’s common for seniors to need mobility aids for safety and support. (Source: MerckManuals)

Common Mobility Aids for Getting Around

For seniors living at home and maintaining a high level of independence, common mobility aids are designed to help them get around. Options include:

Canes

Designed to increase stability and compensate for minimal balance issues.

Walkers

Help support those with significant stability problems but moderate upper body strength.

Rollators

Designed for those with severe stability issues who lack upper body strength and balance.

Power Scooters

Support those who cannot walk long distances but have upper body control and stamina.

Wheelchairs

Offer mobility to those unable to walk safely on their own. Variations of steering ability available.

(Source: Aging Care)

FINDING THE RIGHT MOBILITY AIDS FOR SENIORS

C A R E G I V E R S

Possible Results of Senior Falls

Sometimes mobility issues are just inconvenient for seniors. Other times they put seniors at risk of falling. Falls can be very dangerous for the aging. Falling can result in:

• Bruises
• Fractures
• Breaks
• Need for physical therapy
• Surgical correction
• Hospitalization
• Death

(Source: MerckManuals)

Home Care Tip:
Style matters. If seniors seem unwilling to accept mobility aids, consider options that look sleek or fit their sense of style. Sometimes a device that feels personalized makes a difference for seniors struggling to accept necessary changes.

Mobility Problem Risk Factors

A number of issues can increase seniors’ risk of struggling with mobility and balance, including:

• Diminished eyesight
• Diabetes or heart disease
• Thyroid problems
• Nerve issues
• Medications
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Gait changes
• Postural hypotension
• Foot pain, deformities, or poorly-fitting footwear
• Confusion or memory problems
• Environmental factors like lack of lighting

(Source: NIA)

Paying for Mobility Aids

Insurance companies, as well as some grant or senior care nonprofits, may help cover the costs of mobility aids. Ask a doctor or local agency for the aging for ideas on where to start seeking financial assistance for mobility devices.

(Source: DailyCaring)

Mobility Aids for a Safer Home Environment

Some mobility aids aren’t designed to support long-range motion. Instead, they make the home environment safer and increase independence with specific tasks. Consider installing:

• Rails along stairs, near bathroom fixtures, in hallways, etc.
• Tub/bath transfer seats or benches
• Supportive seat cushions
• Grab handles for getting in/out of a car, bed, couch, or chair
• Rolling over-bed or over-couch tables
• Additional lighting or voice command lighting to improve visibility
• Non-slip flooring that is securely tacked down
• Stairlift
• Ramps to replace stairs

(Source: ScripHessCo)

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