As a caregiver or family member, you want your elderly relative to live in good health. However, many elderly men and women struggle with weight problems, much like their younger caregivers and family members do. Being underweight, overweight, or obese can increase the risk of developing serious health conditions that decreases quality of life for your relative and increases the burden of care.
Determining a Healthy Weight
In order to determine an individual’s healthy weight, the doctor measures a patient's height and weight to calculate the body mass index (BMI). A healthy weight lies within a body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 is considered overweight and if your relative's BMI is greater than 30, this is classified as obese. People with a BMI of less than 18.4 are considered underweight. In some cases, your elderly relative's geriatric physician may take waist circumference measurements to determine whether there is an excessive amount of fat in their abdomen. Women whose waist is greater than 35 inches in circumference and men whose waist is greater than 40 inches in circumference are more likely to develop diseases related to obesity even if their BMI falls into the normal range.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process and requires long-term lifestyle changes. Eating a diet consisting of nutritious foods including fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, lean meats or proteins, and whole grains, combined with exercise on most days of each week is an ideal way to maintain a healthy weight, explains the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Risks of Being Underweight
While the medical community often explains the risks of being overweight, less is mentioned of the risks for the elderly of being underweight. Being underweight increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, which is a leading contributor to falls. Underweight seniors may also have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses such as influenza, which is another leading cause of morbidity and mortality as we age.
Gaining Weight Healthfully
With age, the appetite wanes, along with the senses of taste and smell. Adding spices and seasonings such as pepper flakes, garlic, and curry increase the flavor experience and make dull tasting foods more palatable. Calorie dense foods such as cheese, peanut or other nut butters, nuts, and dried fruits are healthy options. Make sure that the meals and snacks offered to your elderly relative are not filled with excessive sugar, salt, or fat, as unhealthy snacking can exacerbate chronic conditions that plague the elderly, such as high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic suggests that adding a light to moderate exercise routine, such as strength training, helps to stimulate the appetite and grow the muscles.
Risks of Being Overweight
Science has shown there are many risks of being overweight, including an increased risk of developing diabetes, osteoarthritis, gall bladder disease, heart disease, and stroke. Breast cancer and colon cancer are also more likely to occur in people who are overweight. Seniors who are overweight may develop more complications from surgical procedures and suffer from more infections such as bed sores.
Losing Weight Healthfully
If your elderly relative's physician has recommended losing weight, work with the doctor to determine a healthy plan for weight loss. Enjoyable exercises that take into considerations the physical limitations of seniors, such as playing fitness games on a video gaming system, dancing, or even helping to push the wheelchair of another elderly person are good ways to start incorporating more exercise into daily life.
If you feel that receiving care in your home is right for you or your loved one, and would like to learn about our Companion Care Services, please visit us online or call your local CareFocus Companion office to learn more.
This information is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.