Diabetes Prevention and Care for Seniors

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  November 14, 2023

What Every Senior in Victoria Needs to Know About Diabetes Prevention and Care

Currently, the number of Canadians dealing with diabetes prevention and care or prediabetes has surpassed 10 million. With diabetes affecting over 20 Canadians every hour, you or someone you know has likely been newly diagnosed with the disease.

November is #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth and #NationalHomecareandHospiceMonth and Comfort Keepers Victoria® has some important tips about diabetes prevention and care for seniors.

It is possible to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes, thus avoiding the continuation of these concerning trends. Here are some more tips for seniors to prevent and manage diabetes care.

Tips for Seniors to Understand Diabetes Prevent and Care 

Managing diabetes starts with incorporating nourishing food choices, increasing physical activity, and shedding extra weight—regardless of age. By implementing small lifestyle adjustments, one can potentially ward off future health complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems. Contemplate the most recent advice on preventing diabetes.

Get More Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity regularly has various advantages. It can assist in shedding excess weight, decreasing blood sugar levels, and enhancing insulin sensitivity to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

As individuals age, their joints can become more susceptible to pain during physical activity. However, remaining inactive will only worsen the issue. Seniors who can incorporate both aerobic exercise and resistance training into their routine can effectively manage diabetes. 

Nevertheless, the most advantageous outcome is achieved through a fitness program that encompasses a variety of activities.

• Numerous older individuals incorporate walking into their daily schedule as it is not too strenuous, enjoyable, and convenient. 
• An alternative option for low-impact physical activity is participating in senior swim classes or sessions.
• Senior fitness and exercise programs can be easily found in local communities through resources like senior centers and organizations. They even offer unique options, like “mall walking” teams, that allow for regular exercise despite inclement weather.
• Seniors can find ways to stay active within the comfort of their own homes, such as marching in place for 10 minutes, stretching during TV time, or utilizing long hallways or walkways if they live in an apartment building or complex.

Senior citizens should aim for a total of 30 minutes of exercise each day, spread out over five days. It is also acceptable to split this time into smaller segments, like three 10-minute sessions. However, seniors need to consult with their doctors before beginning any new exercise routine.

Lose that Extra Weight

For seniors struggling with weight issues, preventing diabetes may depend on shedding excess pounds. Each pound lost can significantly enhance overall health, as demonstrated by a noteworthy study. By losing just 7 percent of their initial body weight and maintaining an active exercise routine, participants were able to decrease their chances of developing diabetes by nearly 60 percent.

Make Healthy Food Choices

Diet plays a significant role in both weight and overall well-being. Adopting nourishing eating patterns can effectively regulate body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Maintaining portion control, incorporating more fiber-rich foods (such as fruits and vegetables), and limiting intake of fatty and salty items are crucial for a balanced diet.

Here are more guidelines for seniors and elders for eating well to help prevent diabetes:

• Develop a dietary plan for diabetes with assistance from healthcare professionals.
• Opt for foods that are low in calories, saturated and trans fats, added sugar, and sodium.
• Opt for fibre-rich options like whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta in your meals.
• Select items such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese for your meals.
• Substitute your usual sugary drinks with a refreshing glass of water.
• For the senior’s meal, allocate half of the plate to fruits and vegetables, another quarter to lean protein (like beans, chicken, or turkey without skin), and the remaining quarter to a whole grain option (such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta).

It is possible to prevent or manage diabetes in seniors by following proper guidelines. Caregivers and families can play a crucial part by monitoring seniors and ensuring they make appropriate lifestyle choices. This includes helping them find age-appropriate exercise programs, making grocery lists together, assisting with shopping, and overseeing meal preparation and portioning.

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.

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. 

References:

• “About Diabetes.” Canadian Diabetes Association. Web. 2015.
  “Preventing Diabetes in Seniors.” American Diabetes Foundation. Web. 2015.
• “Diabetes Prevention.” NIH Senior Health Newsletter. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Web. 2015.
• “Diabetes Prevention.” American Medical Association (AMA). Web. 2014.
• “Diabetes Prevention: 5 Tips for Taking Control. Diseases and Conditions. Mayo Clinic. Web 2013

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