Obesity Risks and Tips to Encourage Good Health for Seniors

Health Eating for Seniors  |  July 18, 2024

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Maintaining a Healthy Weight and The Risk of Obesity

Obesity Risks | Have you seen the charts and statistics over the last decade or so showing the U.S. as one of the world’s most obese countries? Frequently, there is news coverage of what is being called our “national epidemic.”

Despite so many attempts to educate the public about proper nutrition and promote exercise, the obesity issue remains, and sadly, about one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Obesity at “epidemic” levels might be a slight exaggeration, but it’s an issue that warrants our concern.

Understanding Obesity Risks

Body Mass Index (also known as BMI) is body fat based on weight and height, with the desired BMI in the range of 19 – 25. That level would indicate a normal or healthy weight, but people scoring 30 or above are considered overweight or obese.

The risk of developing certain chronic diseases correlates with a person’s increased BMI level. Hypertension and heart disease, or even stroke, can result. Increased weight may also add stress to the knees and other joints. This can create mobility problems along with declined physical ability. Research shows there may even be a correlation between obesity and early cognitive impairment or mental decline.

Three Tips To Prevent Senior Obesity

Of course, obesity can be a special concern for older adults since they are inherently already at high risk for the diseases and conditions mentioned above. The good news is that lifestyle changes can be successfully adapted for decreasing excess weight and preventing obesity. The following tips may be helpful, but it’s always best to consult your doctor before starting any weight loss program.

Tip #1. Eat Healthy Foods:

Of course, you need to control food portions and caloric intake. It is as important to provide proper nourishment to the body. Skip the salty and sugary snacks. Trade them for naturally delicious whole fruits and vegetables instead.

Tip #2. Exercise:

Aging adults don’t require high-intensity exercise for health benefits. An elevated heart rate is a good goal with low-impact activities (e.g. walking and swimming). This also helps to burn calories. A half-hour daily is perfect for your exercise regimen.

Tip #3. Strength Training:

Even when the body is at rest, muscle tissue will burn calories much more efficiently than fat tissue does, prioritize your increased strength. Use free weights or practice other weight-bearing exercises for 20 minutes, 2-3 times per week. If you don’t feel confident getting started, sign up for a class at your local gym or YMCA.

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

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight 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® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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