Introduction to Cholesterol in Seniors
About 55.2% of adults over the age of 65 in the U.S. have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and is a common health concern among older adults.
High cholesterol can be inherited, but it can also result from lifestyle choices such as not getting enough exercise or not eating a heart healthy diet. Since multiple lifestyle factors can contribute to high cholesterol, making healthy changes can help seniors manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Learn about why high cholesterol is more common in older adults and how you can make changes now to lower your cholesterol levels.
Why Is High Cholesterol More Common After Age 65?
High cholesterol becomes more common after age 65 because of natural age-related changes in the body. Other factors such as lifestyle habits, genetics, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to high cholesterol levels.
Natural Changes That Come With Aging
For seniors, plaque buildup in the arteries may have progressed over time. Decades of cholesterol deposits may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, and natural changes in the body can affect how cholesterol is processed and removed.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Increase Risk of High Cholesterol
Certain lifestyle factors can increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as:
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- A diet high in saturated and trans fats
Medical Conditions That Can Increase Risk of High Cholesterol
Certain health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity can increase the risk of high cholesterol. These medical conditions can increase LDL levels, or bad cholesterol, and lower HDL levels, or good cholesterol. Furthermore, these circumstances may raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Other medical conditions can also affect how the body manages cholesterol. One includes familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that causes people to be born with very high LDL cholesterol levels.
Health conditions that affect how the body processes fats can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels, as well.
Other Factors That Can Increase Cholesterol Risk
Other factors that can increase the risk of high cholesterol include:
- Family history: Genetics can significantly impact cholesterol levels
- Age: As we age, the body may not remove cholesterol from the blood as effectively
- Sex: Before menopause, women often have lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels than men. Men tend to have lower HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels than women.
What Are Healthy Cholesterol Levels for Older Adults?
Healthy cholesterol levels vary by factors like age, ethnicity, and sex.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most adults should aim for the following:
- Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol) below 100 mg/dL
- Higher levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol), ideally around 60–80 mg/dL
Goals may be different for individuals with heart disease or other risk factors.
If you’re curious about your cholesterol levels or want to know what your numbers mean, talk with your primary care doctor. They can help you understand your results and recommend any next steps to support your heart health.
When Should Seniors Have Their Cholesterol Checked?
According to MedlinePlus, adults aged 65 and older should have their cholesterol checked yearly, although the frequency can vary depending on individual risk factors and family history.
How High Cholesterol Affects Overall Health for Seniors
High cholesterol has a significant impact on overall health for seniors by causing plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque buildup may increase the risk of health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease by reducing blood flow throughout the body.
Stroke
High cholesterol causes plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause serious blood clots. If a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, it can lead to a stroke.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Plaque buildup in arteries from high cholesterol can reduce blood flow to the arms and legs. This can lead to peripheral artery disease.
Heart Disease
Plaque buildup can occur in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Over time, this buildup can narrow the arteries, restrict blood flow, and increase the risk of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
Heart Attack
If plaque buildup from high cholesterol breaks open, a blood clot can form and block blood flow. If it blocks blood flow to the heart, it can cause a heart attack.
Can High Cholesterol Affect Memory?
High cholesterol does not directly affect memory. However, having high cholesterol over time may increase the risk of damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain, which can contribute to a stroke and increase the risk of vascular dementia. Research into the connection between cholesterol and dementia is still ongoing.
High cholesterol can also contribute to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. Over time, damage to the brain’s blood vessels, including damage from small or repeated strokes, can affect memory and increase the risk of vascular dementia.
Managing High Cholesterol in Older Adults
There are several ways to manage high cholesterol, including eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eating a heart-healthy diet includes:
- Choosing foods that are low in saturated fats
- Avoiding trans fats
- Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health
- Adding more fiber to your diet, which can help lower the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs
Stay Physically Active
Staying active and getting regular exercise can help increase HDL (“good” cholesterol). Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for keeping your heart healthy.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking can also improve overall heart health. Doing so can help lower the risk of heart disease and can also increase the HDL (“good” cholesterol).
Limit Alcohol
Limiting alcohol intake is important for overall health. Intaking too much alcohol can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of a stroke.
Take Medications as Prescribed
If you are prescribed medication to lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol), it is important to take it as directed. These medications can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In Summary
High cholesterol is important to monitor as we age because it can increase the risk of serious health problems, including:
- Stroke
- Peripheral artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
There are several ways to help manage cholesterol levels, such as:
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Avoiding smoking
- Staying physically active
- Following a heart-healthy diet
Other factors can also contribute to high cholesterol, including family history, age, and sex.
By understanding these risk factors and making healthier lifestyle choices, older adults can manage their cholesterol levels and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
How Senior Consulting Advisors Can Help
At senior living facilities, trained staff can help monitor residents’ health and support their overall well-being. For residents with high cholesterol, nursing staff can help encourage healthier eating habits, help with medication management, and follow any dietary recommendations from their healthcare providers. This can give extra support for the residents and their family.
Senior Consulting Advisors serves as your advocate throughout the search for senior living communities. Our expert advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you find the senior living community that best matches your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. We provide these services at no cost to the senior or family.
Please call us at (800) 969-7176 or reach out to us on our website, SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com for help getting started today.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not replace personalized medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cholesterol in Seniors
Yes, you can lower your cholesterol through certain lifestyle changes. These include eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. These changes can help lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and support overall heart health. Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough, and healthcare professionals may prescribe medication to help lower LDL.
Eating more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, and adding more vegetables and beans to your diet can help support healthy cholesterol levels. It’s also recommended to increase intake of fiber-rich foods, such as beans and oats, and eat more whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa.
No, not all seniors need cholesterol medication. Individuals who require medication to lower their cholesterol generally either have established cardiovascular disease or are considered to be at high risk for developing it. It can also be prescribed to individuals who have high LDL (“bad” cholesterol), type II diabetes, or certain genetic conditions.
