The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight in Seniors

It’s healthy weight week and Senior Living Experts wants you to understand why senior weight is an important part of senior health. A healthy diet is the basis for a healthy life and the importance of senior weight in senior health cannot be underestimated.

The Importance of Senior Weight in Senior Health

5 Reasons Why Senior Weight Matters

Healthy aging encourages happier senior living. During healthy weight week we thought we would focus on WHY it’s important to control your weight in your senior years and help you figure out HOW we can help.

1. Weakened Immune System – As we age our immune system weakens. Diet is extremely important no matter what age you are; but, when you enter your senior years a healthy diet is even more important to help your immune system fight common illnesses. You are also at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues as you age. A healthy senior weight can help with your overall health.
2. Bone Health – As you age your bones can become weakened. Medications, lack of a proper diet, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, and decreased calcium intake are just a few reasons why seniors may see a decline in their overall bone health. Adding on extra weight can cause increased joint pain and increase the risk of a break if you should fall.
3. Muscle Mass – As we age we lose muscle mass. The best ways to combat muscle loss are by being active and eating a healthy diet. VeryWell Magazine offers this excellent article on the importance of senior exercising. Focus on strength training and weight resistance. Always exercise under the supervision of your doctor.
4. Quality of Life – Living life at a healthy weight will increase your overall health and how you feel. A healthier weight, lifestyle and diet all lead to feeling better mentally, physically, and even help maintain healthy energy levels. Our bodies change in many ways as we age and the best way to combat negative changes is by positive, healthy lifestyles and senior weight.
5. Hydration – Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can sometimes lead to dehydration. As we age we may also tend to drink less. We may drink less because we're less active or because our bladders are slightly “more active” than we'd like. Hydration is an extremely important part of senior health.

How We Can Help with Senior Weight & Senior Health

1. Weight Charts Change – Many people don’t realize that what may have been a “normal” weight in your 20s is not your “normal” weight in your 70s. This chart from the Diet Bites blog references general weight suggestions for older adults. This BMI Chart by the U.S. Government healthy website gives you some information regarding using BMI to determine a healthy weight. The best way to determine if you are a healthy weight is to talk with your doctor.
2. A Healthy Diet – What is a healthy diet? An individual’s needs may be different depending upon a number of things; including age and lifestyle. A healthy diet for seniors is defined more efficiently on the South Australia Government healthy living website. Many assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities and in home caregiving companies can help you eat a healthier diet with meal prep.
3. Exercising – Many senior living facilities offer free exercising programs to keep the residents active. This Free Guide from the NIA & The University of GA offers insight on “Chair Exercising” for those who want to exercise at home in a safer environment that keeps them stabilized by remaining seated or holding onto the chair for stability.
4. Hydration – Find ways to incorporate regular intervals of drinking water. Set a timer every hour that serves to both get you up and moving, while also getting a fresh drink. It’s a great way to be sure you are staying hydrated. Remember if you have any issues with your heart or have any water retention you will want to discuss with your doctor about how much water he/she suggests.

Let us help you find the best way to live in a healthy lifestyle. Celebrate Healthy Weight Week by understanding the importance of senior weight in senior health.Photo by Army Medicine