Obesity is more common than you might think in people who are 65 and older. It is important to know that senior citizens who are obese are at a higher risk for stroke, heart disease, and other health issues. The good news is that you can help your elderly loved one by encouraging them to live a healthier lifestyle. By creating healthier habits, they have a better chance of losing weight and maintaining a healthier weight, too.
Hormonal Changes
It is best to learn all you can about senior citizens and obesity. You may have already known that decreased activity can lead to obesity. However, did you know that hormonal changes can also lead to obesity? There are many post-menopausal women who gain a lot of weight. This is due to the hormone changes in their body. While there isn’t much that can be done about these changes, you can encourage your elderly loved one to move around more. You can set them up an exercise schedule to make sure they are being active. This can help them to get to a healthier weight.
Eating Healthier
You and elderly care providers can encourage your loved one to eat healthier. There are far too many senior citizens who eat frozen dinners and junk food all the time. This is one of the leading causes of obesity in the elderly population. With this being said, it is best to talk to your elderly loved one about the foods they enjoy. You might be able to work with them to come up with a healthy eating plan. You can even put in a few of their favorite snacks every now and again. Just make sure the primary foods and drinks they are getting are healthy. This can help them to lose weight and fight off obesity.
Working with Their Doctor
You should also work with your elderly loved one’s doctor to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition. There are many senior citizens who have nutrient or vitamin deficiencies. These deficiencies can be another cause of obesity. Your elderly loved one’s doctor might want to do a blood test to check for these deficiencies. If there are issues, the doctor might recommend supplements. These can help your elderly loved one to get their weight in check.
Conclusion
These are some of the things that you should know about senior citizens and obesity. Now that you have this information, you and elderly care providers can help your loved one to live a healthier lifestyle. By doing this, they can maintain a healthier weight, as well.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532533/
If you or an aging loved one is considering elderly care in Ellenton, FL, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers of Bradenton. Call today: (941) 499-5946.
