High cholesterol is a major risk factor for contracting heart disease as an adult. Heart disease, the leading cause of adult death in the US, is an especially big concern for women over 50. There are several treatment options available if your total cholesterol is over 200 mg/dL, but the CDC recommends regular exercise as part of nearly all cholesterol management programs.
For older adults, especially those who do not have a regular exercise routine, the prospect of incorporating additional exercise into their lives can feel a bit overwhelming. But don't panic: for healthy adults over 60, the CDC recommends a weekly combination of moderate aerobic exercise combined with and muscle strengthening exercises. Even just 20 to 30 minutes a day, spread out in 10 minute increments, can shave points off your cholesterol level and add to your quality of life.
Ideally, you should spend 150 minutes per week on moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. The degree of intensity is relative to the health of the individual; what is low-impact for an adult athlete may be high-intensity for an inactive adult. Intensity is measured by cardiovascular activity; an elevated heart rate and slight discomfort with breathing indicates that the body is exerting effort to perform a task. If you are feeling the burn, then you are reaping the benefits!
