Senior Health and Wellbeing | November 14, 2023
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.
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.
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 routines can effectively manage diabetes.
Nevertheless, the most advantageous outcome is achieved through a fitness program that encompasses a variety of activities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes 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.
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