As we age, our bodies can often become more frail in many different ways. In turn, this has the potential to increase our risk of certain diseases and disabilities, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and a general loss of bone density and body mass.
For seniors, many factors can contribute to conditions like these, but one of the most important factors to monitor in an attempt to stay as healthy as possible is your weight.
How do I stay healthy while managing my weight?
As stated, weight can affect many aspects of health, wellness, and quality of life, especially for older people. For seniors, being significantly overweight can dramatically increase your risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
On the other hand, being significantly underweight as a senior can lead to issues like an increased risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, decreased energy, a weaker immune system, and a higher possibility of complications following surgery.
For this reason, it’s especially important to consult your doctor about what your ideal healthy weight should be, and then take the necessary actions to get there.
Gaining Weight in a Healthy Way
If you are in a position where a doctor or other medical professional is encouraging you or an older loved one to gain weight, you can do so in a healthy way just by following these three simple strategies:
- Finding foods that are easy for seniors to eat and digest, such as whole grain starches, potatoes, and coconut.
- Ensuring that these foods are nutritious and high in calories, such as avocado or nut butters.
- Preparing and serving these foods in a way that will encourage your loved one to look forward to every meal.
Losing Weight in a Healthy Way
If a doctor or medical professional has told you or a senior loved one that you should try to lose weight, the healthiest ways to do so are as follows:
- Making healthy diet choices based on your doctor’s recommendations
- Maintaining a simple-yet-effective exercise routine that is suitable for your body and age
- Exploring bariatric or weight loss surgery options if you are unable to lose weight on your own and your excessive weight constitutes medically necessary intervention
Are there any resources available to help me stay as healthy as possible as an older individual?
If the idea of losing or gaining weight seems particularly overwhelming for you at this stage of your life, rest assured that there are several programs available that can help you establish a healthy weight management regimen and stick to it.
Often, exercise programs like SilverSneakers and comprehensive nutritional or medical benefits pertaining specifically to weight management are covered under Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C.
Are you curious to learn more about your existing or potential benefits under Medicare? If so, the licensed insurance agents and Medicare Advantage experts at MedicareInsurance.com can help you research and compare your options today. You can contact them at (800) 950-0608 for assistance!