Aging can put your senior loved one at risk of developing serious health conditions, including cancer. However, your loved one can make a few lifestyle changes to stave off this disease. Here are some of the things you can do to help your loved one prevent cancer.
Limit Exposure to the Sun
Each year, many seniors are diagnosed with skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer. However, this disease is preventable. Help your loved one reduce the risk of skin cancer by limiting his or her exposure to the sun. Make sure your loved one wears protective clothing, sunscreen, hats, eyeglasses, and other items when exposed to the sun. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Des Moines families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Add Fruits & Vegetablesto the Diet
Orange, yellow, and green fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that can repair damaged cells. Dark fruits like blueberries and grapes and vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain anti-cancer properties that benefit seniors.
Discourage Smoking
Smoking is considered a significant risk factor associated with lung cancer. As soon as seniors stop smoking, their bodies may respond immediately. Smoke contains carcinogens that interrupt cell development process, which could lead to cancer. Help your loved one find alternatives to smoking, such as eating healthy snacks and doing yoga or fun activities.
Remove Red Meat from the Diet
Eating red meat increases an aging adult’s risk of developing colon cancer. Consuming large amounts of red meat can also lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for various types of cancer. Avoiding or limiting the intake of red meat could help your loved one stave off this disease. Add more salmon, fish, chicken, and other healthy lean meats to your loved one’s diet.Help your loved one prepare healthy, low-fat, and low-sodium meals. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of senior home care.Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Get Screenings Done
Regular screenings help doctors detect abnormalities, including abnormal cellular changes that could turn cancerous. Having screenings done on a regular basis could also help physicians detect cancer early on, slow the progression of the disease, and increase a senior’s survival rate. Take your loved one to the doctor, and stress the importance of these visits. Many seniors miss their appointments because they forget, don’t have transportation, or don’t think doctor visits are necessary.Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Des Moines live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life. For premier home care services you can rely on, call Home Care Assistance at (515) 264-2438 today.
