Dietary requirements change significantly with age, and if seniors don’t make the necessary changes, they may end up dealing with overnutrition. While you might have never heard of overnutrition, it can have as many negative effects as undernutrition. Essentially, overnutrition means that seniors are consuming an excessive amount of calories and making poor dietary choices. In this blog, we’ll look at the effects of overeating on older adults and talk about how senior home care and family support may be quite important in encouraging healthy living.
Understanding Overnutrition in Seniors
Overnutrition in seniors is defined as an excess of weight gain and related health problems resulting from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. This may happen for a variety of reasons, including a slowed metabolism, altered taste and smell, and a drop in physical activity. Some of the effects of overnutrition are as follows:
Obesity: Seniors who eat more than their bodies need run the danger of becoming obese. Numerous health issues, such as joint pain, a higher risk of falls, and a larger chance of developing chronic diseases, are associated with obesity.
Diabetes: Seniors who overeat may develop diabetes or have a worsening of the disease. It becomes harder to control blood sugar levels, necessitating careful food selection and close observation.
Heart Problems: An excessive consumption of sweets and saturated fats can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
Decrease in Immune Function: Seniors who are malnourished may have weakened immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
How Can Senior Home Care and Family Members Help?
Seniors can greatly benefit from the guidance of the senior home care team when it comes to portion control, healthy eating practices, and the significance of a balanced diet. Giving elders knowledge about nutrient-rich foods can enable them to choose healthier options.
They can also get help with the planning and preparation of wholesome meals that meet their unique dietary requirements from the home care team. This guarantees that they get the necessary nutrients without consuming too many calories.
However, it’s not just about eating right. Staying in a healthy weight range and enhancing general wellbeing require regular exercise. Senior-friendly physical activities include strolling, light yoga, and water aerobics, which loved ones can support and participate in.
Also, it’s important to note that if medication is causing seniors’ weight to rise, they should talk with the medical team to explore alternatives. Finally, loneliness and isolation can make seniors more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits or withdraw from activities. Having loved ones drop by or getting socialization through a senior home care aide can help reduce this issue and ensure seniors stay on a healthy path.
Managing overnutrition in seniors requires a comprehensive approach due to its complexity. The support of home care services, along with the participation of loved ones, can have a big impact on an older adult’s health and quality of life. We can support our older citizens in aging gracefully and maintaining their best health by raising nutritional awareness, increasing physical exercise, and offering professional assistance.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in La Jolla, CA please contact the caring staff at La Jolla Nurses Homecare today. Call (858) 454-9339
La Jolla Nurses Homecare is a top provider of home care services in San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Point Loma, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Kensington, Coronado, University City, Pacific Beach, and all of San Diego County.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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