Home Care Assistance for Obesity in Seniors and Their Health

Obesity, which affects nearly 36.5% of Americans, is at the center of a growing health crisis. It can be difficult to define obesity, since it is a spectrum of weight. The CDC considers adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher to be obese. It is also difficult to define how obesity can affect seniors, since it may affect them differently than other age groups. Home care assistance can help them implement changes to their diet and exercise regiments.

What Makes Weight Gain in Seniors a Health Concern?

Home Care Assistance Glen Rock NJ – Home Care Assistance for Obesity in Seniors and Their Health

Senior health experts have long known that obesity is a major cause of health problems in seniors. But these problems do not just come from obesity. Many of them come from the fact that the obese seniors are more likely to be sedentary and less likely to be physically active.

In addition to increasing the risk of osteoarthritis, weight gain in seniors is also a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Recent studies show that obesity in seniors is associated with a higher incidence of coronary artery disease.

The most obvious impact of obesity on seniors is mobility. The CDC estimates that one in four Americans over the age of 60 have some type of disability, from vision problems to heart disease to difficulty walking. And according to the CDC, when seniors are obese, are more likely to have mobility issues than those who are not.

It is common for seniors to experience weight-related health problems like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. These health problems are not only uncomfortable, but they can also limit seniors’ ability to enjoy life. Studies have shown that obesity can cause depression, social isolation, and social stigma.

These health problems are not just physical. Obesity in seniors leads to a deterioration of their mental health as well. One study showed that older adults who have higher body fat have higher levels of depression and a lower level of positive attitude.

How Can Obesity be Prevented with Home Care Assistance?

Unfortunately, many seniors will never lose the weight that they have gained throughout their lives. But that doesn’t mean that they should give up. Obesity can be treated through exercise and diet, and seniors should seek help from their doctors to find the right treatment.

The CDC recommends that seniors engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

There are plenty of ways to help seniors lose weight. One of the most effective ways to lose weight is to join a gym or another activity center that offers weight loss programs. Many seniors join gyms to get the social interaction they need, and weight loss programs can be a great way to get that.

The CDC also recommends that seniors drink fewer sugary beverages and eat more fruits and vegetables. Home care assistance will help your senior eat more fruits and vegetables and balance more healthy meals.

Obesity is a growing problem that can affect seniors’ quality of life and independence. But it is not impossible to fight. Home care assistance can help seniors lose weight by incorporating exercise, healthy eating, and weight loss programs into their lives.

Sources:  https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity-facts
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.html#:~:text=If%20your%20BMI%20is%2025.0,falls%20within%20the%20obesity%20range.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2727232/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5541277/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160222134137.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/added-sugars.html

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Home Care Assistance Services in Glen Rock NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.