Obesity in Seniors |

Edmonton Senior Health  |  July 26, 2018

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About the Dangers of Obesity

Obesity in Seniors | You’ve probably seen charts and statistics over the last decade showing the United States as one of the world’s most obese countries. You’ll frequently see news coverage of this “national epidemic.”

Despite valiant attempts in the U.S. to educate the public about proper nutrition and exercise, the same issue remains, and the sad fact is that about one-third of adults are obese. The reporting of obesity as reaching “epidemic” levels could be slightly exaggerated, but regardless, obesity warrants our concern at this point.

Understanding Obesity in Seniors

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an individual’s body fat based on weight and height. The desired BMI is 19 – 25, indicating a typical healthy weight. Those scoring 30 or above are generally considered obese.

As a person’s BMI levels increase, so does the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as hypertension heart disease, or even leading to stroke. Extra weight gain adds stress to the knees and other joints, creating diminished mobility with declined physical ability. As studies show, there may even be a connection between obesity and early cognitive impairment or decline.

Prevent Obesity in Seniors

Of course, obesity can be a concern for adults as they age since they are already in a higher risk category for the diseases and conditions mentioned above. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can be adopted to eliminate excess weight and prevent obesity. At any age, it’s best to consult a doctor before starting any of the following weight loss tips.

Three Tips to Prevent Obesity in Seniors:

Tip #1. Eat Healthy Foods:

Control food portions and caloric intake. Provide the proper nourishment. Skip the salty and sugary snacks and consume whole fruits and vegetables instead.

Tip #2. Exercise:

High-intensity exercise isn’t necessary for health benefits. Just make an elevated heart rate your goal with low-impact activities (e.g. walking and swimming). This will also assist in burning calories. A half-hour per day can be perfect as a successful exercise regimen.

Tip #3. Strength Training:

Even at rest, the body’s muscle tissue burns calories more efficiently than fat tissue, it’s important to strengthen the muscle groups using free weights or other weight-bearing exercises for a minimum of 20 minutes, 2-3 times per week. If you don’t know where to start, sign up for a strength training class at your local gym or YMCA.

The health and well-being of our aging loved ones is a priority. Encourage seniors to follow the above tips and reduce excess weight to prevent obesity. This will keep them looking forward to a happier, healthier future.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Home Care Edmonton

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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