Watching Weight with Home Care in Oceanside

Obesity among seniors is a major problem in the United States. While many of us need to watch our nutrition in today’s environment of fast food, high sodium, and sugary drinks, the problem is particularly sneaky for the elderly. Working in home care in Oceanside, we get a firsthand view of just how hard it is for seniors to eat right. Here are some reasons why it is so hard for the elderly to keep extra pounds off—and why it’s so important to do so.

Suddenly Sedentary

Health experts warn that one of the worst things you can do for your health is to stop moving. The human body needs to be active to thrive, and for various reasons seniors are prone to inactivity. An injury might have confined your aging parent to a wheelchair or bed, or he may have simply grown accustomed to sitting in a chair for most of the day. Becoming less active without changing diet is a recipe for fast weight gain, which will then be very difficult to lose.

The Threat of Comfort Food

Unfortunately, “comfort food”—the food that we most crave when we are feeling down—is high in fat. When seniors turn to mealtime for relief from loneliness or boredom, they typically gravitate toward heavy foods. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Anyone can develop a taste for fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, especially if they are prepared well by a good cook. A senior who is attempting to keep her tastes healthy will need lots of help from family and other caregivers.

Staying Healthy with Home Care in San Diego

Why avoid extra weight? Obesity in seniors is even more dangerous than it is in younger people. Besides the risks of diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease, seniors face higher dangers for falls, as extra weight makes it harder to balance. Weaker bones are also more prone to breaking when strained by added weight. Home care in San Diego can monitor diet and activity, ensuring that seniors don’t gain weight before they realize it is happening!

Originally posted 2013-12-19 10:30:10.