Losing weight can be a challenge for older adults, but they need to remain fit to protect their mental, physical, and emotional health. Family caregivers should encourage their aging loved ones to make lifestyle changes that help them maintain a healthy weight. Here are some of the healthy ways your aging loved one can lose weight in the golden years.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is an easy way to shed excess calories without all of the hard work. As adults age, their bodies begin to mistake thirst for hunger. This is due to the hypothalamus desensitizing and dulling out thirst signals. Water is the key for digestion and metabolism. If your loved one’s body mistakes thirst for hunger, he or she may eat more food than his or her body actually needs. Drinking plenty of water can help your loved one maintain a better thirst signal and avoid overeating. Your loved one may need help making healthy lifestyle choices. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical home care. Des Moines, IA, 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.
2. Eat More Protein
Increasing the amount of protein they consume can help seniors strengthen their muscle mass and prevent age-related muscle loss. The more protein seniors eat, the more support they have for muscle growth and repair, which could increase their metabolism rate and help them burn calories. Consuming more protein could also reduce your loved one’s urge to eat carb-rich foods that cause weight gain.
3. Stretch Daily
Stretching increases flexibility in older adults, which makes physical activity and exercising more enjoyable. Aging adults who don’t stretch are more likely to be inactive, increasing their risk of being overweight and experiencing aches, pains, and other health issues. Stretching can also reduce the odds of becoming injured while being physically active.
4. Avoid Empty Calories
Sweet treats, fast food, and sugary beverages are some of the items seniors need to avoid. These foods are considered empty calories, meaning they offer no nutritional value and lead to weight gain. Your loved one should speak with a doctor about healthy diets he or she can follow. Make sure your loved one avoids fad diets because the results don’t last. Meal planning is one of many basic tasks seniors may need help with. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Des Moines seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
5. Create a Strength Training Routine
Muscle mass decreases with age, equaling a slower metabolism. As a result, seniors are likely to gain and hold on to extra weight. However, lifting weights is a good way to stay in shape and build metabolism in the golden years. Seniors should start lifting weights at a slow pace, giving the body time to adapt without placing too much strain on the muscles.
6. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Seniors who have a negative thought process and outlook on life are more likely to gain weight. Although losing weight in the golden years is challenging, it can be done. Seniors need to maintain a positive attitude and surround themselves with like-minded people who want to lose weight and stay in good physical health.Availing professional in-home care is one of the best ways older adults can prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight. A Des Moines caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your elderly loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (515) 264-2438 today.