Cholesterol levels vary by age. Generally, cholesterol levels tend to rise as we age. In younger individuals, cholesterol levels tend to be lower. This is because the body produces more cholesterol when we age, leading to higher cholesterol levels. As we age, our cholesterol levels continue to rise, eventually reaching a peak of around age 60. According to cholesterol levels by age chart, cholesterol levels usually start to decline after this age. However, this is not always the case, as lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and smoking can have an effect. In some cases, cholesterol levels may remain high despite age.