Staying fit in the senior years can lower the risk of heart disease, hypertension, some cancers, dementia, and more. Therefore, seniors need to watch their calorie intake and implement effective weight management strategies. Take a look at some tips that can help seniors maintain a healthy weight.
Get Plenty of Physical Activity
Older adults who live sedentary lifestyles are more likely to develop issues like obesity, poor bone health, and diabetes. Your senior loved one could lose weight and stay physically fit by adopting a moderate exercise routine that includes activities like walking, performing water aerobics, cycling, and weight lifting. When it comes to everyday actions, your loved one should try to incorporate as much standing and walking as possible without putting too much pressure on the body. For example, if your loved one is watching television or talking on the phone, encourage him or her to stand up now and then instead of sitting down for the entirety of the program or conversation. Standing leads to more movement, which could help your loved one shed calories.
A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who wants to maintain a healthy weight. Home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Avoid Unhealthy Snacks
Many seniors eat healthy meals throughout the day but fail to reach their weight loss goals. One of the issues could be their consumption of unhealthy snacks, such as cookies, candies, cakes, energy drinks, microwave popcorn, and other foods full of sugar, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. Your loved one should eat low-calorie snacks that keep him or her sated instead of fattening foods that increase his or her caloric intake and lead to weight gain. Some low-calorie snacks that can satisfy your loved one and lower the risk of overeating are baked sweet potato chips, hummus and vegetables, avocado dip, yogurt and granola, turkey wraps, and fresh berries.
If you usually help your loved one plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks but need a break now and then, consider enlisting the help of an in-home caregiver. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Rocklin, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Drink Less Alcohol
Most seniors drink alcohol to relax their minds, but beverages like beer, wine, and liquor are packed with additives that cause weight gain. The calories from alcohol are empty and provide no nutritional value. Alcohol is also an appetite stimulant, and your loved one’s food cravings could increase after drinking beer or wine. Too much alcohol in the liver typically turns to fat and is stored in the body, which prevents seniors from maintaining a healthy weight. Encourage your parent to stop drinking altogether or limit his or her alcohol intake to no more than one glass per day.
Visit the Doctor Regularly
Some aging adults have medical conditions that make it difficult to manage their weight. These problems could prevent them from controlling their appetite, which is why they should visit their doctors regularly. A physician can provide weight loss tips that help your parent stay in good shape and also prescribe medication or suggest counseling to put him or her on the right path.
At-home caregivers with training in nutrition and healthy habits can be a wonderful source of information and encouragement for seniors who need to maintain a healthy weight. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Rocklin, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.