Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we age is essential for lowering our risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer. With this in mind, it’s important for seniors to incorporate certain things in their everyday routines to help them take a proactive stance. In addition, home care services can be extremely helpful in facilitating these lifestyle modifications.
Healthier Diet Options
A nutrient-dense diet can dramatically reduce seniors’ risk of developing cancer. Some of the foods that seniors should focus on include the following:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which help seniors avoid free radicals that are often associated with cancer growth.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa promote digestive health and help prevent colorectal cancer.
- Lean Proteins: Seniors should choose poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils to minimize their intake of red and processed meats, which have been connected with increased cancer risk.
Home care providers can help seniors focus on a healthier diet by planning and preparing balanced meals to ensure they get the nutrition they require without the hassle of cooking. Also home care can handle shopping as well, which is especially important for seniors with mobility issues.
Regular Physical Activity
Staying active lowers the risk of cancer by regulating body weight, strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Simple activities such as walking, yoga, and chair workouts can have a significant impact.
Home care services help seniors stay active by encouraging them to get up and get moving, transporting them to group classes, or even working out with them when possible. They can also provide company, which makes physical activity more fun and sustainable.
Focus on Hydration
Drinking adequate water promotes general health and helps the body cleanse. Dehydration can also increase pre-existing health conditions and lower energy levels, reducing the capacity to sustain good habits.
It’s important to note that certain conditions or medications may make it hard for seniors to notice their thirst. This is another area where home care comes in by reminding seniors to drink throughout the day.
Avoiding Tobacco and Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Avoiding tobacco products and restricting alcohol use are important steps toward lowering cancer risk. Seniors who smoke should seek help to quit, and alcohol consumption should be moderate.
Regular Screenings and Medical Checkups
Early detection is critical to successful cancer treatment. Seniors should make and keep appointments with their medical team, including ensuring they get the necessary health screenings completed, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks.
If needed, home care providers can provide transportation and reminders about these appointments.
Stress Management and Mental Health
Chronic stress can impair the immune system, making it more vulnerable to diseases like cancer. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in enjoyable activities can all assist with this. These days, there are plenty of options for seniors to consider, from apps on their phones to videos they can watch on their digital devices or TV.
Home care services go beyond providing physical support; they help create an environment in which seniors can thrive and adopt healthier behaviors. From meal preparation to encouraging exercise to providing emotional support, they act as partners in maintaining the health and well-being of seniors.
As mentioned, this is particularly beneficial for seniors with limited mobility, as well as those who find daily tasks overwhelming.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Fort Carson, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs, CO, today. Call (719) 639-2663
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, Black Forest, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Gleneagle, Larkspur, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, Perry Park, Rock Creek Park, Security-Widefield, Stratmoor, and Woodmoor and surrounding areas in Colorado.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2875677/#:~:text=Specific%20research%20targets%20of%20primary,or%20head%20and%20neck%20cancer.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/7-lifestyle-tips-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk/2024/02
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