Can changing my diet late in life lower cholesterol and prolong life?

Yes, a study from the University of Maryland shows that eating a healthful diet after age 70 increases your chances of reaching 80 by 24 percent (Journal of the American Dietetic Association. February, 2011).

The study followed 2,582 people ages 70 to 79 for 10 years. They were categorized as 1) those who ate a healthful diet of mostly fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, whole grains, and nuts; 2) those who ate high-fat (dairy and meat); and 3) those who ate a lot of sugar and flour (doughnuts, cakes, cookies, etc.) Meat and cheese are rich sources of calories, saturated fat and cholesterol that increase risk for heart attacks and strokes. Sugared drinks and foods made with sugar or flour raise blood sugar and are also sources of excess calories that increase risk for diabetes and heart attacks.

Compared to those who ate a healthful diet, the high-fat eaters were 40 percent more likely to die, and the high-sugar group was 37 percent more likely to die.