10 Things Seniors Struggling With Obesity Can Do To Improve Their Health
The number of seniors that struggle with obesity is increasing. In 2010 more than 1/3 of seniors older than 65 were obese and that number has been climbing ever since. Medical researchers say that by 2050 more than half of all seniors could be struggling with obesity.
There are a lot of factors that play a role in whether or not seniors struggle with their weight. Lifestyle choices, medical problems, and medication side effects are the most common contributors to obesity in seniors. But, seniors who are struggling with obesity do have options when it comes to managing their weight. Seniors who are struggling with obesity should:
Get Senior In-Home Care
Senior in-home care has a lot of benefits for seniors, including accountability. Seniors who are struggling with weight issues will be more committed to making healthy changes in their lives when they have daily visits from a caregiver that can keep them accountable for their choices. Senior home care is great for a senior’s physical and mental health.
Exercise Daily
Exercise is the key to good health for everyone as they get older. But, it’s even more important for seniors that are struggling with their weight to exercise daily. Going for a walk through the neighborhood is a great way to start being more active. Walking around the block twice a day will have an immediate impact on a senior’s health. Just get moving, no matter what type of activity it is.
Watch Portion Sizes
Seniors don’t have to diet to lose weight. Cutting portion sizes is a great way for seniors to continue to eat the foods they like and watch their weight. Many recipes make four servings of a particular meal. Seniors who live alone should be eating one serving, not four. An easy way to manage portion size is for a senior or a senior in-home care provider to immediately portion out a meal after they make it into four portions. Put three portions in the fridge or freezer for later meals. Or, cut usual portions in half.
Add One Vegetable To Every Meal
Seniors who want to lose weight don’t have to make radical changes to their diets either. Just adding one more vegetable to each meal is a great way to lose weight. Low-calorie vegetables will help seniors feel full without eating a lot of calories. And those extra veggies will give seniors more of the vitamins and minerals they need.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep and obesity are connected. Seniors that aren’t getting enough sleep or getting restful sleep are more likely to be obese or to have trouble losing weight. Seniors should make getting enough restful sleep a priority.
Try A New Activity
Many seniors eat when they’re bored, and they’re bored a lot. Instead of sitting in front of the TV and snacking seniors should try a new activity like playing pickleball, learning a craft, or writing a novel. Staying busy keeps seniors away from boredom and snacks.
Talk To A Doctor About Medication
Seniors may benefit from medication that can help control appetite and promote weight loss. But, those medications can have serious side effects so seniors need to discuss them in depth with their doctors to see if they are good candidates for those medications.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to a lot of medical problems and make it tougher to lose weight. Drinking water can also make seniors feel full so they don’t snack when they’re thirsty, not hungry. Seniors should try to drink one eight-ounce glass of water every hour during the day.
Make Friends
Loneliness can lead to overeating and weight gain. Seniors who are social don’t have time to sit at home and snack. Being more active, joining a book club, or doing other things to make friends and connect with people can help seniors physical and emotional health.
Get Screened For Diabetes
Not all seniors who have obesity will get diabetes, but unmanaged diabetes can make it harder for seniors to lose weight and be healthy. Seniors who are obese should get screened for diabetes regularly.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Hackensack, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Applause Home Care today. Call (201) 326-8051
Applause Home Care provides independent, non-franchised quality Home Care for elders and families in and around Fort Lee, Hackensack, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Paramus, Glen Rock, Pompton Plains, Franklin Lakes, Westwood, Montvale, and Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
Sources: Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3
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