Caregivers in Turnersville NJ: How to Help Your Aging Mother Keep Obesity at Bay

You know how it is: once you sit down on that couch and start to relax, it’s hard to get back up again, especially for something as draining as exercise. This feeling is magnified in some seniors, for whom just walking normally from one room to another can often feel like exercise!

If you are a caregiver for your aging mother, you might have noticed that she has become less active recently, and that being less active has made her gain some weight. This wouldn’t be a big deal if it stopped there, but unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle combined with obesity can lead one to many dangerous medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and even kidney, vision, and hearing problems.

As we age, it is more difficult to stay active, especially if we have a condition that makes it more difficult for us to do so. However, we have to continue to move and to eat a healthy diet as long as we can, because the threat of obesity is a serious one, and the complications that can come with it can be deadly.

But how can you help your mother lose weight? Here are a few ideas on how to get started:

Eat food that stimulates weight loss – Even if your mother can’t move around as much as she would like, she can help her body to lose weight by eating certain foods that promote weight loss on their own. These foods include things like avocados, peanuts, and almonds. You can also swap out butter in recipes for canola oil, which is less fatty and helps promote weight loss too.
Change her diet – Our metabolism slows down as we age, so we have to adjust our diet accordingly to avoid gaining weight. The exact diet one should follow varies from person to person, but your mother should be eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
Stay active – Exercise is important for people of any age. It not only helps you to keep off weight, it helps you to feel better and more energetic as well. Cardio exercise is especially important, as it is good to get your heart rate up and your blood flowing. If your mother has medical conditions, though, you should always check with a doctor before starting any strenuous exercise, just to make sure that it will be safe.
Strength training – Strength training is a good way for anyone to lose weight. It stimulates the metabolism, making it easier to burn calories faster, even when you aren’t moving. Strength training can also help your mother to maintain healthy muscles even as she ages, which is important! Again, though, check with a doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Obesity is a very serious problem for the elderly, but with your help and the assistance of a home care provider, your mother will be able to combat it, and stay healthier longer.

Source:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/338863-the-best-weight-loss-plan-for-senior-women/

For caregivers in Turnersville, NJ, and the surrounding areas, call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.