It can seem like a challenge to manage weight as an older person. Maybe your mom or dad has never focused on nutrition, or they feel like they can’t work out since they can no longer run marathons or lift hundreds of pounds. However, no matter what age you are, there is a healthy weight range that you should be in. If your senior is overweight, they risk developing diabetes, being unable to manage pain and inflammation, higher cancer risks, and other negative side effects of excessive weight. Senior home care providers can help your loved ones manage weight by ensuring they eat right and live a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re looking for more tips that are easy to follow, here are some things you can do to help your loved one manage their weight effectively.
Always Talk to a Doctor
If your loved one needs help getting to their doctor’s appointment, you should ask them to set up a Zoom meeting or a telehealth appointment. If the doctor needs an in-person visit to weigh your loved one, ask senior home care to help provide transportation for your mom or dad. Their doctors should be the first to know about recent weight gain. Sometimes unexpected weight gain can be a side effect of certain medications or a sign of another problem. Doctors can help your loved one devise a plan to manage weight effectively. Remember that a senior’s body may change shape without gaining weight. Also, weight changes over the course of your life, and a healthy weight may vary as you age.
Keep Exercising
No matter how old you are or even how young you are, moving around is crucial for many different reasons. When kids become mobile, it marks a new point in life, one of independence. When a senior stops moving, it can mean a lack of independence and freedom. So the more senior exercises and the more mobile they are, the healthier they will be, and this means they can age in place for much longer. Exercising will help a senior stay mobile and not rely so much on other people. This is also a huge help when it comes to managing weight.
Look At What You’re Eating
Believe it or not, your diet needs may change as you get older. If you’re not getting the right calorie amount, protein amount, or other minerals, it can lead to weight gain or weight loss. It is so crucial for your loved one to focus on what goes on their plate. If they have no idea what vitamins or minerals they are missing, this is something a doctor can help with. Also, remember that if they don’t know what to eat, they should talk to a professional like a nutritionist or someone who knows what a senior should be eating for their age group. Not everyone will need to eat the same foods to maintain a good and healthy weight. This is also something a doctor may help your loved one with.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Brookville PA please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services. Call (814) 251-9044
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, and Dubois PA area.
- Keeping Your Senior Safe from Falls This Winter - November 8, 2024
- Technology Devices That Enhance Senior Health - October 18, 2024
- How Companion Care at Home Supports Seniors with Life Transitions - October 7, 2024
