Seniors and Vitamin D Deficiency – What Can Be Done?

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and good health, especially in older adults. Sunlight is often the main source of vitamin D, but as the winter approaches, many seniors be unable to spent much time outdoors due to the cold temperatures. Vitamin D is vital to keep bones healthy, in regulating cell growth, and improving the immune system.

Lack of Vitamin D can cause many issues, including bone tissue loss, aches, muscle weakness, skeletal deformity and weakened immunity, along with increased risk of falls and fractures. It may also increase seniors’ risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

What should be done to avoid it? Here are some tips.

• Encourage senior to go out and get sunlight exposure as much as possible.This exposure should produce adequate levels of vitamin D. Don’t forget to exercise caution and limit sunlight exposure to small amounts at a time. A light sunscreen in certain daily lotions can prevent the harmful rays from getting in for short periods of time.
• Several foods contain this vitamin by adding these eatables to their diet, they will get a boost. It includes fish like salmon (fresh or canned), mackerel, herring and sardines. Other food items are milk, mushrooms, red meat and eggs.
• Opt for supplements to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but consult their doctor first before taking ANY supplements. Certain supplements can interact negatively with the medications they are on.

However, some seniors struggle with mobility, which may prevent them from going out and getting sunlight exposure. Such issues may affect their day-to-day life too. If you feel that your aging loved one needs help with mobility and daily living activities to maintain their quality of life, then you should hire help for them in the form of caregivers.

Contact Always Best Care to get home care services in Gatlinburg or nearby areas. Get in touch with their experts at (865) 259-7770.

How to Protect Your Aging Loved One from Obesity

Obesity is fast becoming a major health issue among older adults in the United States. Millions of seniors are overweight. While this may not seem like a big issue, it can certainly create health problems down the road, or complications of current health issues, including:

• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Limited mobility
• Kidney disease

To avoid such health issues, it’s essential for family members to help their aging loved one fight obesity.If your loved one is at the risk of obesity, here are a few ways you can help:

Encourage seniors to exercise – Encourage your aging loved one to exercise daily and to increase the amount of physical activity in their day-to-day life. It helps them stay active and fit for a long time while keeping their weight in control. Even if they are chair bound, there are exercise programs specifically created for them. Just the act of moving more helps keep weight down and is great for joints.

Eating healthy – Help create a nutritious and healthy diet by helping with the grocery shopping and ensuring they buy healthy foods. If they struggle with meal management, help with meal preparation. With a proper and healthy diet, they can gain control over weight.

Understand the issue – Obesity is often due to stress, depression or medical conditions. If such is the case for your loved one, try to understand the issue and help find a solution accordingly. For example, if they are getting obese due to stress (emotional eating), then try to reduce their stress.

If you struggle to meet their care requirements, then consider hiring caregivers. For more senior care info in Lenoir City and surrounding areas, call Always Best Care at (865) 259-7770. Licensed by the state of Tennessee, the firm is a recognized provider of senior care services.