Maintaining a healthy weight is even more important for seniors than other age groups because being overweight can make so many of the health problems seniors face worse. And seniors that are overweight have a higher risk of developing diabetes. But seniors, like everyone else, tend to overindulge a bit during the holidays. When the new year starts it’s the perfect time for seniors to take steps to lose those holiday pounds and get back to a healthy weight. But losing weight can be tougher for seniors because they often can’t exercise more to lose weight. Here are some of the things that seniors can do to safely lose weight, with the help of home care assistance:

Lift Light Weights

Most people don’t think of lifting weights as a good exercise for seniors but seniors can actually lose quite a bit of weight and keep their muscles strong with strength training. Strength training with appropriate light weights is something that almost all seniors can do. And lifting weights will help seniors improve their muscle mass and tone. The more muscle seniors have the more calories their bodies burn to maintain that muscle. So seniors can increase the amount of calories they burn just by lifting light weights and keeping their muscles strong. Combining strength training with calorie cutting and other dietary changes can help seniors lose weight steadily.

Walk Daily

Seniors don’t need to go overboard on exercise to lose weight. Simple walking is enough to help seniors lose weight if they walk consistently and at a good pace. Walking for around 30 minutes a day at least five days a week and walking about a brisk pace will help seniors lose weight and lose inches. It also can increase mobility and dramatically improve circulation. Seniors who don’t like walking alone can have a home care provider walk with them to keep them accountable and provide motivation to get moving every day.

Cut Calories

Losing weight really is all about the combination of burning calories and cutting calories. Exercise is great for burning calories but seniors also need to eat fewer calories if they want to lose weight. Home care assistance can help seniors find healthy meals that they like to eat so that they aren’t going hungry but they are cutting calories by eating less fat and eating more healthy foods. Healthy low-calorie foods and cutting back on snacks will make it easier for seniors to lose weight.

Eat Vegetables At Every Meal

Vegetables are essential for health, and most seniors don’t eat enough of them. Because vegetables are low in calories seniors can eat a lot of them and not gain weight. Eating low-calorie vegetables with every meal will increase your senior parent’s nutrition and help them lose weight. Home care assistance can help your senior parent cook vegetables that are appropriate for different meals and prep vegetables that seniors can enjoy as snacks. Snacks like carrot chips that are cooked in an air fryer are crispy, crunchy, and satisfying while also being low calorie.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Home Care Assistance in Gulfport, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.