Emotional Aspects of Diabetes In Elderly People

psychology of ageing

http://The Psychology of Ageing: An Introduction

 Inevitable physical and psychosocial changes occur as people enter old age. The senior years are a developmental phase of life with its own unique challenges that affect the management of both diabetes and depression.

From time to time, we all come down with a case of the blues, but did you know that older adults with diabetes are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression? It’s true. An estimated 28% of older adults with diabetes will experience depression, which is nearly double the average occurrence rate for the general  adult population.

Depression is a serious condition that affects planning and organizing skills. Older people who suffer from depression may stop testing their blood glucose, forget to take their medicines and even begin to eat and exercise less.

Because of the severe possible repercussions of depression, it’s dangerous to simply assume that “it will pass” or that it’s just a “phase” your loved one is going through. Be aware of the warning signs and, if you notice any of the symptoms below, consult with your doctor to discuss treatment options.

Symptoms of depression may include: 

1.Sadness

2.Inability to enjoy normally pleasurable activities

3.Insomnia with early morning wakening

4.Excessive weight loss or anorexia

5.Helplessness

6.Hopelessness

7.Excessive guilt

8.Suicidal thoughts

Age-related physical changes can affect both diabetes and depression. These changes can be more pronounced in people who have diabetes.

These changes are due to loss of mobility,loss of hearing,sight loss and balance problems.These changes result in a loss of independence,lowers self esteem and they dont get the same pleasure out of life!

Also people dont have the same zest for life as they get older!Also as people get older they get lonely as they lose their ability to do things!

People are more prone to staying in their home as they are afraid of going outdoors especially in cities because there are a lot of crime in cities.

It would be a good idea if there were more places for elderly people to meetup such as community centres,social clubs,gardening clubs,draughts and chest clubs,book clubs.

Also a local charity could sponsor buses and minivans to take people to these events!

It is important for elderly people to spend time with family especially their children!

What do you think about all of this is it important or am I wrong?

Also, complications associated with diabetes arise and may worsen as individuals age. Thus, aging eyes become more impaired by diabetic retinopathy, and aging feet become more impaired by diabetic neuropathy. There is evidence that depression in the  elderly diabetic relates to the number of chronic conditions and poor physical functioning.

The impact of hypoglycemia is also often greater for the elderly. They are more prone to hypoglycemic episodes resulting from taking multiple medications and the increased potential for drug interactions and appetite changes that result in missed meals.

Some common challenges of aging also can affect both diabetes and depression. The elderly must often deal with multiple losses of family and friends, changes in function and roles (e.g., retirement), and fears about mortality. Diabetes and its complications can exacerbate the difficulties associated with each of these transitions, and depression and despair may result.

People are all the same we all worry about getting older,dying,losing people and as far as retirement goes wether we will have enough money!

Maybe we should have a discussion about this what do you think?

The physical changes of aging may make it harder to manage diabetes because exercise, diet (e.g., meal planning and carbohydrate counting), and medication (e.g., taking multiple medications and dealing with insulin injections) regimens become more complicated when individuals’ ability to follow their regimen may be impaired.

Thus, in many different ways, diabetes may become more difficult to manage for elderly people who are also depressed, and depression may become more difficult to resolve in those who have diabetes.

How Can I help An Elderly Diabetic Who Is Depressed?

Treating-late-life-depression

http://Treating Late Life Depression: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach, Workbook (Treatments That Work)

When an older individual suffers from poorly controlled diabetes in addition to depression, both diseases require timely, aggressive treatment. As a caregiver, there are several things you can do to help your loved one recover from depression, including:

 

If you have your doctor’s approval, integrate daily walks or some other form of exercise into your family member’s routine.  Not only has regular exercise been shown to improve both diabetes control and mood, but walking programs are usually a safe form of exercise for most older adults.

 

Psychiatric counseling combined with prescription medications is an effective treatment for depression. Ask your family member’s doctor about this type of combination therapy.

 

If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant, be sure to ask about potential side effects and drug-to-drug interactions.

Tricyclic antidepressants should not be routinely used by older people with diabetes. For up to 30% of people with diabetes, these drugs can result in low blood glucose levels, followed by a period of weight gain and subsequently elevated blood glucose levels.

 

Regularly monitor your loved one’s daily diabetes care to ensure blood glucose levels are checked, meals are eaten and medicines are taken.

Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.

Talk to him or her, and listen carefully.

Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one’s therapist or doctor.

Invite him or her out for walks, outings, and other activities.

Remind him or her that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

 

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

 

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

What Exercises Can Elderly People With Limited Mobility Do?

The benefits of exercise are not restricted to people who have full mobility. In fact, if injury, disability, illness, or weight problems have limited your mobility, it’s even more important to experience the mood-boosting effects of exercise.

Exercise can ease depression, relieve stress and anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and improve your whole outlook on life. While there are many challenges that come with having mobility issues, by adopting a creative approach, you can overcome your physical limitations and find enjoyable ways to exercise.

Limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t exercise.

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that energize your mood, relieve stress, boost your self-esteem, and trigger an overall sense of well-being.

If you’re a regular exerciser currently sidelined with an injury, you’ve probably noticed how inactivity has caused your mood and energy levels to sink. This is understandable: exercise has such a powerful effect on mood it can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication.

However, an injury doesn’t mean your mental and emotional health is doomed to decline. While some injuries respond best to total rest, most simply require you to reevaluate your exercise routine with help from your doctor or physical therapist.

It’s important to remember that any type of exercise will offer health benefits. Mobility issues inevitably make some types of exercise easier than others, but no matter your physical situation, you should aim to incorporate three different types of exercise into your routines:

Cardiovascular Exercises

That raise your heart rate and increase your endurance. These can include walking, running, cycling, dancing, tennis, swimming, water aerobics, or “aquajogging”.

Many people with mobility issues find exercising in water especially beneficial as it supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint discomfort.

Even if you’re confined to a chair or wheelchair, it’s still possible to perform cardiovascular exercise.

Strength Training Exercises

be-strong-be-steady

http://Be Strong Be Healthy – Strength and Balance Exercises for the Elderly

Involve using weights or other resistance to build muscle and bone mass, improve balance, and prevent falls. If you have limited mobility in your legs, your focus will be on upper body strength training. Similarly, if you have a shoulder injury, for example, your focus will be more on strength training your legs and abs.

Flexibility Exercises

Help enhance your range of motion, prevent injury, and reduce pain and stiffness. These may include stretching exercises . Even if you have limited mobility in your legs, for example, you may still benefit from stretches and flexibility exercises to prevent or delay further muscle atrophy.

How to exercise with limited mobility tip 1: Starting an Exercise routine

1.Start slow and gradually increase your activity level.

Start with an activity you enjoy, go at your own pace, and keep your goals manageable. Accomplishing even the smallest fitness goals will help you gain body confidence and keep you motivated.

2.Make exercise part of your daily life.

Plan to exercise at the same time every day and combine a variety of exercises to keep you from getting bored.

3.Stick with it.

It takes about a month for a new activity to become a habit. Write down your reasons for exercising and a list of goals and post them somewhere visible to keep you motivated. Focus on short-term goals, such as improving your mood and reducing stress, rather than goals such as weight loss, which can take longer to achieve. It’s easier to stay motivated if you enjoy what you’re doing, so find ways to make exercise fun. Listen to music while you workout, or exercise with friends.

4.Expect ups and downs.

Don’t be discouraged if you skip a few days or even a few weeks. It happens. Just get started again and slowly build up to your old momentum.

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How to exercise with limited mobility tip 2: Staying safe when Exercising

1.Stop exercising if you experience pain,

discomfort, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or clammy hands. Listening to your body is the best way to avoid injury.

2.Avoid activity involving an injured body part.

If you have an upper body injury, exercise your lower body while the injury heals, and vice versa. When exercising after an injury has healed, start back slowly, using lighter weights and less resistance

3.Warm up, stretch, and cool down.

Warm up with a few minutes of light activity such as walking, arm swinging, and shoulder rolls, followed by some light stretching (avoid deep stretches when your muscles are cold). After your exercise routine, whether it’s cardiovascular, strength training, or flexibility exercise, cool down with a few more minutes of light activity and deeper stretching.

4.Drink plenty of water

Your body performs best when it’s properly hydrated.

5.Wear appropriate clothing

Such as supportive footwear and comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement.

Workouts For Upper Body Injury Or Disability

Depending on the location and nature of your injury or disability, you may still be able to walk, jog, use an elliptical machine, or even swim using flotation aids. If not, try using a stationary upright or recumbent bike for cardiovascular exercise.

When it comes to strength training, your injury or disability may limit your use of free weights and resistance bands, or may just mean you have to reduce the weight or level of resistance.

Consult with your doctor or physical therapist for safe ways to work around the injury or disability, and make use of exercise machines in a gym or health club, especially those that focus on the lower body.

Isometric Exercises

move-it-or-lose-it

http://Move it or Lose it: Exercise for Older People – 3 Disk Set

 

If you experience joint problems from arthritis or an injury, for example, a doctor or physical therapist may recommend isometric exercises to help maintain muscle strength or prevent further muscle deterioration. Isometric exercises require you to push against immovable objects or another body part without changing the muscle length or moving the joint.

Electro Muscle Stimulation

revitive

http://Revitive LV Circulation Booster Therapy for Legs & Feet

If you’ve experienced muscle loss from an injury, disability, or long period of immobility, electro muscle stimulation may be used to increase blood circulation and range of motion in a muscle. Muscles are gently contracted using electrical current transmitted via electrodes placed on the skin.

How To Exercise In A Chair or Wheelchair

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Chair-bound exercises are ideal for people with lower body injuries or disabilities, those with weight problems or diabetes, and frail seniors looking to reduce their risk of falling. Cardiovascular and flexibility chair exercises can help improve posture and reduce back pain, while any chair exercise can help alleviate body sores caused by sitting in the same position for long periods. They’re also a great way to squeeze in a workout while you’re listening to music or praying.

If possible, choose a chair that allows you to keep your knees at 90 degrees when seated. If you’re in a wheelchair, securely apply the brakes or otherwise immobilize the chair.

Try to sit up tall while exercising and use your abs to maintain good posture.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, check your blood pressure before exercising and avoid chair exercises that involve weights.

Test your blood sugar before and after exercise if you take diabetes medication that can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

10 Dos and Don’ts for Managing Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

Cardiovascular Exercise In A Chair Or Wheelchair

 

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If you want to add competition to your workouts, several organizations offer adaptive exercise programs and competitions for sports such as basketball, track and field, volleyball, and weightlifting. See Resources section below.

Chair aerobics, a series of seated repetitive movements, will raise your heart rate and help you burn calories, as will many strength training exercises when performed at a fast pace with a high number of repetitions. In fact any rapid, repetitive movements offer aerobic benefits and can also help to loosen up stiff joints.

Wrap a lightweight resistance band under your chair (or bed or couch, even) and perform rapid resistance exercises, such as chest presses, for a count of one second up and two seconds down.

Try several different exercises to start, with 20 to 30 reps per exercise, and gradually increase the number of exercises, reps, and total workout time as your endurance improves.

Simple air-punching, with or without hand weights, is an easy cardio exercise from a seated position.

Many swimming pools and health clubs offer pool-therapy programs with access for wheelchair users. If you have some leg function, try a water aerobics class.

Some gyms offer wheelchair-training machines that make arm-bicycling and rowing possible. For a similar exercise at home, some portable pedal machines can be used with the hands when secured to a table in front of you.

Strength Training Exercise In A Chair Or Wheelchair

Many traditional upper body exercises can be done from a seated position using dumbbells, resistant bands, or anything that is weighted and fits in your hand, like soup cans.

Perform exercises such as shoulder presses, bicep curls, and triceps extensions using heavier weights and more resistance than for cardio exercises. Aim for two to three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions for each exercise, adding weight and more exercises as your strength improves.

Resistance bands can be attached to furniture, a doorknob, or your chair. Use these for pull-downs, shoulder rotations, and arm and leg-extensions.

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

EXERCISE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

functional-fitness-for-older-adults

http://Functional Fitness for Older Adults

 

It’s no secret that exercise is good for you and it’s especially important for older adults with diabetes.
Did you know, for example, that muscle strength declines by 15% per decade after age 50 and 30% per decade after age 70?

By regularly participating in strength-building exercise, however, muscle tissue and strength can be restored.

What’s more, exercise also makes it easier for older individuals to maintain their strength, balance, flexibility and endurance — all of which are important for staying healthy and independent.

Lastly, exercise improves insulin sensitivity and can improve a person’s response to blood glucose medications.

Exercise is safe for most adults aged 65 and over. Moreover, even individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis can safely enjoy regular exercise. Exercise actually improves many of these conditions!

6 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism As You Get Older

Types of Exercises

fun-activities-for-the-elderly

http://201 Fun Senior Activities – Top Senior Activities, Elderly Activities, Dementia Activities, and More! (Fun! for Seniors)

There are different exercises for each part of the body and the first step in determining any exercise regimen is to consult with your family members doctor. Once their doctor has given the go-ahead, the person’s exercise program should include balance training because there is evidence that this can help to reduce the risk of falls.

 

Balance exercises like side leg raises and knee flexions can help decrease the risk of falls. A variety of balance exercises can be done, as some build up the leg muscles, and others, like briefly standing on one leg, improve balance. Now widely popular, Tai Chi may be of some benefit to older adults, but its effects have not been greatly studied in seniors.

 

Flexibility, or stretching, exercises lengthen the muscles and tissues that hold the body’s structures in place. Over time, regular flexibility training may help keep the body limber, speed recovery from injuries and prevent future injuries and falls.

 

LIGHT TENSION RESISTANCE BANDS

Strength, or ”resistance,” exercises using light weights, balances and elastic bands can not only help build up leg and arm muscles, but also improve balance. However, this type of exercise may not be appropriate for individuals who have diabetic retinopathy (eye disease).

 

Endurance exercises, like walking, jogging, rowing or swimming improve the health of the heart, lungs and circulatory system. They may also delay or prevent colon cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and other serious diseases.

Remember that successful exercise programs are those that last 10 weeks or longer. Help your loved one make exercise a success by setting small, achievable goals and encourage them to make their chosen form of physical activity a regular part of their daily routine.

Although you can’t do the exercise for them, there are things you can do to help your loved one get the physical activity they need to stay healthy. For example:

If your family member has “couch potato” tendencies, remind them that exercise can increase their feeling of well-being by improving their insulin sensitivity. You may also want to mention that exercise is encouraged for all older adults who are considered able to participate by their doctors.

If your family member lives in a nursing home, assisted living or long-term care facility, ask the staff what exercise program they offer for residents and enroll your loved one. To increase the odds that they’ll go, consider enrolling one of their friends for companionship.

Most importantly, before your family member begins any exercise program, schedule a physical check-up and discuss with the doctor which types and frequency of exercise are best for your family member.

 

Depending upon your loved one’s condition, certain forms of exercise may need to be avoided. Individuals with diabetes-related eye disease (retinopathy) may need to avoid or limit resistance exercises (free weights, weight machines and rubber exercise bands) because these types of physical activities can elevate blood pressure and cause bleeding in the eyes.

Walking Tips

Invest in a good pair of comfortable walking shoes

Increase the number of times you walk each week.

Then the length of your walks before you increase your pace

Work toward walking daily for at least 30 minutes, in addition to doing your regular activities

Vary where you walk to keep it interesting

Share the health benefits with a friend – walk with others whenever you can

Increasing Walking Using a Pedometer

CSX Walking 3D Pedometer Calorie Step Counter with Lanyard, P361, White

In survey after survey, walking for health is reported as the most popular exercise choice, especially for older adults. Public health recommendations state that everyone should do 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, most if not all days of the week.

Pedometers are simple gadgets that cost 35 euros or less, that you wear on your waist to continuously count the steps you take in a day. They also have the potential to be motivational devices.

Research increasingly supports the use of pedometers. In older women, a higher number of steps a day has been associated with increased bone density. And in middle-aged populations, a lower number of steps a day has been linked to increased body fat and decreased fitness.

Studies of individuals who have increased their steps a day have shown improved physical fitness, blood pressure and body composition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

RECOMMENDED DIABETES ARTICLES

Stick with Fitness: Tips for Staying Fit with Diabetes

11 Exercise Tips for People With Type 2 Diabetes

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

Workout Nutrition Tips

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

Importance of Minerals and Vitamins For Elderly People With Diabetes

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Anyone who has diabetes should—at a minimum—take high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements every week. It has been found that taking daily supplements for diabetics reduce the incidence of infection and number of sick days taken by people with type 2 diabetes.

Vitamins are complex chemical substances contained in food. They enable the human body to break down and utilize basic elements of food, proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Certain vitamins are involved in producing blood cells, hormones, genetic material and chemicals in the nervous system.

Unlike carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, minerals and vitamins do not provide calories. However, they do help the body to use the energy from food.

Vitamins and minerals make people’s bodies act properly.

Minerals are inorganic elements that come from soil and water and are absorbed by the plants or eaten by animals. The body needs  larger amounts of some minerals, like calcium, to grow and stay healthy.

For More Great Health Care Tips refer to the Website 16best.net

Must have Vitamins and Minerals for Elderly Diabetics

Diabetics are on a restrictive diet and have a lesser number of the foods to choose from. This is why they generally tend to suffer from the deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, which are normally required by the human body to stay healthy. Diabetes is associated with weakness, fatigue, lethargy, and  body ache.

In such cases, diabetics usually need to supplement their diet with products that can provide them with energy to do their regular chores and improve their stamina without enhancing their blood sugar levels.

Depending on the type of  treatment regimen one uses to control one’s diabetes, there are some minerals and vitamins that may be beneficial for your condition.

 

Biotin 

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Biotin works in synergy with insulin in the body, and independently enhances the activity of the enzyme glucokinase. Glucokinase is mainly responsible for the first step of glucose utilization and is, therefore, an essential component of the normal bodily functioning. Glucokinase mainly occurs in the liver, and in the sufferers from diabetes its concentration can be extremely low. Supplements of biotin can have a significant effect on glucose levels for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

 

Carnitine (L-Carnitine, Acetyl L-Carnitine) 

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Carnitine is mainly required by the body in order to correctly utilize body fat in the production of energy. It is naturally occurring and derives from mainly hydrophilic amino acids.

Diabetics who try carnitine respond well, and the high levels of fat in the bloodstream (cholesterol and triglycerides) may fall fast.

Carnitine immensely helps to break down fatty acids in the human body and binds acyl residues. For these reasons, it may be useful to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.

Chromium 

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http://Solgar, Chromium Picolinate, 500 mcg, 120 Veggie Caps

Chromium is one of the crucial nutrients in the body’s fight against diabetes. By utilizing either brewer’s yeast stocked with chromium, or chromium chloride, diabetic patients can be able to improve glucose tolerance, lower the fasting glucose levels, and reduce insulin levels and cut cholesterol and triglyceride levels, whilst enhancing HDL-cholesterol levels.

 

It has been commonly found that supplemental chromium may raise glucose tolerance in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Exercise enhances the concentration of tissue chromium.

Coenzyme Q10

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Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that occurs in the human body, and can be able to help with carbohydrate metabolism.

Clinical trials utilizing coenzyme Q10 suggest that supplementation can significantly lower blood sugar levels. Coenzyme Q10 oxygenates the blood and, therefore, can be able to help in some cases of diabetic retinopathy.

Vitamin C 

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Vitamin C lowers the levels of sorbitol, the sugar that can collect in and damage cells in the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

 

For More Great Health Care Tips refer to the Website 16best.net

Vitamin D 

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Vitamin D turns on genes that boost the production of antimicrobial peptides called cathelicidins, which destroy viruses, bacteria and other germs. Because men and women with diabetes are more prone to infections due to diabetic ulcers and periodontal disease, making sure the body has optimal levels of this fat-soluble vitamin is important.

Vitamin E

vitaminE

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Vitamin E is the human body’s premier fat-soluble antioxidant. It improves glucose control and protects the blood vessels and nerves from free radical damage, which is usually accelerated by the diabetes. It has been found that high doses of supplemental vitamin E may even reverse damage to the nerves caused by diabetes and protect against diabetic cataracts and atherosclerosis.

When taking vitamin E, take the only natural form of it. You can tell it is natural if it is listed as d-alpha-tocopherol or d-alpha-tocopheryl. Synthetic vitamin E is usually listed as dl-alpha-tocopherol or dl-alpha tocopheryl (note the “l”).

Magnesium 

MAGNESIUM

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Magnesium is a mineral crucial for the energy production and protein synthesis, DNA production, cellular replication. Magnesium has also been shown to reduce insulin resistance, helping to keep the blood sugar levels in check.

Berberine

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Berberine, a plant alkaloid, targets AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is very basic and ancient regulator of metabolism present in all plants and animals. AMPK stimulates uptake of glucose into cells, improves insulin sensitivity and decreases the production of glucose in the liver, which is in overdrive in diabetic patients.

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the websitePositivehealthwellness.com

Zinc: Everything You Need to Know

Before adding any vitamins or adding dietary supplements to one’s daily healthy diet, discuss these changes with your doctor to ensure they are safe alongside any prescribed medication you are on.

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

Importance of Nutrition For Elderly People With Diabetes

21-superfoods-for-the-elderly

http://21 Superfoods for the Elderly: The Top 21 Superfoods in Every Elderly Diet to Keep Them Healthy and Strong

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential throughout all stages of life. However, seniors with diabetes are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies, especially in the vitamins B1, B12, C and D and folate, calcium, zinc and magnesium.

Warning signs such as a weight loss or gain of more than 10 pounds in six months, can indicate that your loved one is not eating properly.

To ensure your family member with diabetes is receiving the best nutrition possible, bear in mind that dietary considerations change with age. In particular:

Older adults generally need 20-to-30% fewer calories than they did when they were younger and more active.

My grandmother Hannah Mc Carthy ate a lot less food as she got older.I remember she used to love boiled bacon and cabbage and spuds!

She used to make homemade brown bread and us children loved it especially with homemade blackberry jam!

She was a very attractive women when she was young my mother told me she had long red hair!She always had it tied back in a braid!

She was slim and fit always and I cant remember her ever being overweight!

She was my favourite grandmother and I always remember her and those orange lilies below in the picture that I grew in pots in my garden were her favourite flowers!

My grandmother had these orange lilies in her garden!

Protein should account for 10-to-20% of caloric intake. Individuals who have an infection, wounds that are healing or other health stresses may need to eat greater amounts of protein and calories.

When it comes to carbohydrates, the total amount is more important than the source. Foods that contain sugar can substitute for other carbohydrates in the meal plan.

To decide how much fat an individual can eat, their dietician will weigh the risk of heart disease against the risk of malnutrition. If a low-cholesterol diet is recommended, the restrictions should be limited.

Too much fiber for people who are bedridden or dehydrated can lead to serious digestive problems.

Sodium restrictions should be carefully evaluated. Older adults tend to have reduced taste perceptions, so if their foods do not contain enough salt, they may not eat enough and become malnourished.

The alcohol limits recommended for younger individuals with diabetes do not necessarily apply to seniors, as alcohol tolerance tends to decrease with age. To maintain optimal glucose levels, alcohol use may need to be significantly restricted or eliminated.

If your loved one cannot meet their nutritional needs with a normal solid food diet, then pureed foods and/or supplements may need to be added to the meal plan.

If your family member with diabetes lives alone, consider preparing and freezing a week’s supply of balanced, portion-controlled meals that can be reheated as needed.

For individuals who do their own grocery shopping, make a shopping list that includes the basics they’ll need for several days’ worth of meals. If they are on a restricted diet, this list can also remind them to choose low-fat or low-salt versions of their favorite foods.

Meal Plans For An Elderly Person With Diabetes

Step 1

Elderly people do not always respond well to huge changes in their lives, especially in diets. Introduce new dishes slowly. Try to find healthy alternatives to cooking their favorite foods. Consider baking a chicken instead of frying it, lacing vegetables with healthy olive oil instead of butter, or baking  with artificial sweeteners—whose sugar substitute cannot be digested by the body and, therefore, don’t add to daily sugar intake.

Step 2

Find out what medications the person is taking and when he/she takes each pill. Diabetic meal plans must balance the food eaten with the daily medicines to maintain proper insulin levels. Be sure to note other medications, such as those for high blood pressure or pain, that may counteract with various food and timing of meals.

Step 3

Learn the diabetes food pyramid, which provides recommended daily serving sizes for each food group. Mix and match the senior’s favorites based on the best portions for diabetes control. The minimum daily recommendations would provide about 1,600 calories per day. Depending on the activity level of the elderly person,he/ she should eat about 1,800 to 2,200 calories each day to maintain a proper weight.

Step 4

Involve the senior in shopping and meal preparation as much as possible . Being active plays a large role in managing diabetes symptoms. Even small steps taken daily can help to keep insulin levels low and increase the person’s quality of life.

 

Standard Diabetes Diet For The Elderly

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all diet.  Around 45 percent to 65 percent of total daily calories should come from carbohydrates, but not just any old carbohydrate — the best options are high in fiber. Another 25 percent to 35 percent of daily calories can come from fat, mostly of the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated variety.

The remainder of calories should come from protein,though this can vary based on a person’s health requirements. For example, a diabetic who’s also struggling with kidney disease will need to keep his protein intake to about 10 percent. Within these three groups, certain foods will help manage your diabetes better than others.

Managing Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have the biggest impact on your blood sugar, making it the most influential macronutrient when it comes to controlling diabetes. All diabetics should eat at least 130 grams of carbohydrates a day . It is recommended choosing whole grains and nutrient-rich starchy vegetables for your carbohydrates.

Basic whole-grain options include oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice and whole-grain pasta. If eating bread, cereal or crackers, look at ingredient lists and choose one that has a whole grain — such as whole-wheat flour, oats or barley — as its first ingredient.

Top options for starchy vegetables include parsnips, pumpkin, green peas, squash, corn, beans and lentils. You should also eat three to five servings of nonstarchy vegetables per day; options include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery and dark leafy greens.

Protein-Rich Foods and Fat

Although the right amount of protein can vary from person to person, protein-energy malnutrition — in which a person does not consume enough protein — is a problem in older diabetics, leading to significant weight loss, according to the 2009 review of studies published in “International Journal of Diabetes Mellitus.”

Talk to your doctor about the right amount of protein for your health conditions, and then stock up on healthy, protein-rich foods such as fish, skinless chicken or turkey, nonfat or low-fat dairy products and legumes. Additionally, some fat is needed for healthy body function; choose monounsaturated options such as olive oil, nuts and avocados and polyunsaturated fats such as fish, flaxseed and walnuts.

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

8 Anti-Aging Foods

Exceptions for the Elderly

Because an elderly person struggling with diabetes might also have other health concerns to deal with, such as constipation, dementia, heart disease or a poor appetite, it is recommended making some exceptions to a typical diabetes diet.

For example, full-fat dairy products might not be on the list of basic foods for elderly diabetics, but it might help an elderly patient retain body weight and strength. Along the same lines, if a small amount of sugar helps someone eat more nutritious foods, it is recommended  as an option.

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

Caring For An Elderly Person With Diabetes

nursing-care-of-older-people-with-diabetes

http://Nursing Care of Older People With Diabetes

Caring for an older adult with diabetes may include special challenges such as coexisting medical conditions, physical limitations and failing memory.

Whether the person lives alone, with you, or in a nursing home, your involvement can help them obtain better diabetes care and quality of life.

Some unique factors in diabetes eldercare include:

Making sure that the Person Receives Adequate Nutrition

Changes in taste and smell, as well as stomach acid composition,  are a normal part of the aging process. This combination causes many older individuals to eat less and can bring about poor nutrition. Aging family members with diabetes may be at higher risk for vitamin B1, B12, C, D, and folate deficiencies, in addition to deficiencies in various minerals, including calcium, zinc and magnesium.

Older individuals with diabetes, especially those in nursing homes, tend to be underweight. Ensure your loved one is receiving adequate nutrition since low body weight is associated with higher death rates in older adults.

Unnecessary dietary restrictions put in place by long-term care facilities may lead to malnutrition and dehydration. If long-term care is necessary, evaluate the facility for food quality and meal variety to ensure your family member does not lose interest in food.

Older individuals may not be able to tolerate a diet high in fiber. Increases in dietary fiber need to be introduced slowly in conjunction with adequate fluid intake and/or physical activity.

This Is How Much Protein You Really Need To Eat In A Day

High blood glucose levels may cause a greater need to urinate, which in turn can lead to urinary incontinence, sleep disruption, dehydration and an increased risk for injuries and falls.

 

Frequent urination may also be caused by certain medications, so it may be  hard to determine whether high blood glucose levels or a  drug side effect is the culprit. If a change in urination frequency occurs, be sure to monitor your loved one’s blood glucose levels carefully and talk to your doctor about possible medication causes.

 

High blood glucose levels cause the blood to become thicker and stickier, which increases the risk for stroke.High blood glucose levels can decrease mental function and make daily diabetes management tasks difficult.

Always remember that improved mental function can usually be maintained with better diabetes control.High blood glucose levels may interfere with the immune system, increasing the risk for infection and preventing normal wound recovery.

Managing the Person’s Medications to make sure they are Taken Properly and to prevent Harmful Drug Interactions

The need for prescription and over-the-counter medications increases with age, so older individuals with diabetes have a higher risk for drug side effects and drug-to-drug interactions.

Due to both the normal aging process and diabetic retinopathy, poor vision can increase the risk of falls. Additionally, the fear of falling may cause an older individual to avoid social interaction and limit activities.

Older adults may use pain-relieving medicines often and, as a result, suffer from reduced mental function and increased risk for injuries and falls.

Dealing with special Physical or Mental Limitations that can make it harder for the Person to care for their Diabetes

Pharma Nord Bio-Pycnogenol 150 tablets

It’s also important to note that, due to increased age, older individuals with diabetes experience complications to a greater degree or at a faster rate:

Between 25% and 70% of individuals aged 74 years and older are estimated to have vision problems due to diabetic retinopathy.

Painful nerve damage in the legs and feet is common among people with diabetes who are over 70 years old.

Heart disease, stroke and diabetes-related amputations appear to occur in older adults at a higher rate.

Older adults with diabetes are 14 times more likely to suffer from depression than older adults who do not have diabetes.

Caring for a loved one with diabetes requires more than administering medication and scheduling doctors’ visits. You play a vital role in making life as safe and comfortable as possible for your family member and there is much you can do to ensure their well-being:

Remain alert.  Behavioral changes are powerful indicators that something may be wrong with your family member’s physical or emotional health.

Learn all you can about diabetes as well as any additional medical conditions your loved one may have. Be aware of the warning signs of high and low blood glucose levels and diabetes complications.

Choose diabetes supplies that are senior-friendly. When selecting a blood glucose meter, look for one that is easy to use, has a large display screen and does not need to be cleaned. If your family member takes insulin, consider insulin pens instead of syringes because insulin pens are usually easier and more convenient to use.

If your family member lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, review their meal plan and medication list with a staff member. Make unannounced visits during mealtime to see what foods are served and how well your family member is eating.

If your family member lives with you, schedule some time with a licensed dietician to develop a meal plan that will not only appeal to your loved one’s taste, but that will also be compatible with their diabetes care.

For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.

11 Foods That Can Make You Look Younger

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

Diabetes and Elderly People

diabetes-in-old-age

http://Diabetes in Old Age (Practical Diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes is linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. Major risk factors  for  type 2  diabetes include age, being overweight, genetic predisposition to diabetes, and a reduction in activity levels. The rates of type 2 diabetes steadily increase with age.

Type 2 diabetes is most likely to occur if you:

are over 45 years old and have high blood pressure

are over 45 years old and are overweight

are over 45 and have (or have had) one or more family members with Type 2 diabetes

If you are overweight and have had a heart attack in the past

have heart disease

have or have had a blood sugar test that is in the prediabetic range

have or have had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy (a condition called gestational diabetes)

have polycystic ovary syndrome and are overweight

What are the Effects of Diabetes on Elderly People?

A key issue for seniors with diabetes is that, sometimes, the symptoms may not be very obvious.
The well-known symptoms of diabetes, such as urinating excessively and feeling thirsty all the time, are not as obvious in the elderly as in young people.

In addition, symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as feeling tired and lethargic, can often be misinterpreted as just part of the normal ageing process.
As a result, older people with diabetes may remain undiagnosed until damage has been done.

If left unchecked, the accumulation of glucose in the blood can cause enormous damage to nearly every major organ in the body, including kidney damage, artery damage which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack,eye damage leading to vision loss, erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men and nerve damage possibly leading to limb amputation.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to mend all of the damage that has already been done but you and your doctor can work together to control your blood sugar and help minimise the impact of diabetes in the future!

How Do Other Conditions Affect My Diabetes?

Diabetes-among-older-people

http://Diabetes Among Older Adults (Management of the Chronic Condition)

Many older people also have other conditions as well as diabetes and this can complicate diabetes management.

People with diabetes whose blood glucose levels are high are more prone to infections than people with normal blood glucose levels so it is important to keep your blood glucose levels stable!

You should also take precautionary measures against additional illnesses for example, by having regular vaccinations against ‘flu and pneumonia.

Some medications, herbs and supplements can also have an impact on your blood glucose levels, so make sure you tell your doctor,GP, pharmacist and herbal professionalist who treats you that you have diabetes so they can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

Knowing the associated risks of diabetes is one of the most important things you can learn!

The only risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are being overweight,consuming a high carbohydrate diet and very little physical activity!

Another vital component of care is customization.  No two people are alike some people have Type 1 diabetes and some people have Type 2 diabetes and every person needs a customized diabetes care plan.

Tight blood glucose control can lower the risks of diabetes-related complications!

The risk of heart attack or stroke can be diminished with normal blood pressure and good diabetes management!

Caring For An Elderly Person With Diabetes

nursing-care-of-older-people-with-diabetes

http://Nursing Care of Older People With Diabetes

Caring for an older adult with diabetes may include special challenges such as coexisting medical conditions, physical limitations and failing memory.

Whether the person lives alone, with you, or in a nursing home, your involvement can help them obtain better diabetes care and quality of life.

I was at a funeral on Sunday,well not really I was attending Sunday mass where a funeral was taking place,a women of ninety years of age had died.

Her name was Bridget and she had been in a nursing home for a few years.She had a difficult life according to the priest’s sermon,with many hardships which was common in her day!

Her daughter gave a lovely arbitrary at the end of the mass saying she was a lovely women with a friendly personality and a great sense of style!

She was into fashion in a big way especially colourful clothes!

I love colourful clothes myself especially bright red that is my favourite colour!

I like it because I have dark hair and fair skin and the colour suits me!

One of my favourite dresses is red,I have it matched here with a purple wrap!

She enjoyed giving presents to family and friends especially colourful clothes!

Do you like colourful clothes like me and Bridget if so it would be great if you could take a picture of them!

You can leave your photos in the comment section below or send me an email!

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Importance of Nutrition For Elderly People With Diabetes

21-superfoods-for-the-elderly

http://21 Superfoods for the Elderly: The Top 21 Superfoods in Every Elderly Diet to Keep Them Healthy and Strong

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential throughout all stages of life.

Warning signs such as a weight loss or gain of more than 10 pounds in six months, can indicate that your loved one is not eating properly.

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Importance of Minerals and Vitamins For Elderly People With Diabetes

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People with Type 2 diabetes are very prone to eating a lot of processed foods especially high carbohydrate foods such as potatoes,white bread,white pasta ,white rice and all meat!

It is very important for everyone to eat foods that contain a lot of vitamins and minerals!

Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of vitamins and minerals and these are the only way of getting theses vital minerals into your body!

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EXERCISE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

functional-fitness-for-older-adults

http://Functional Fitness for Older Adults

It’s no secret that exercise is good for you and it’s especially important for older adults with diabetes.
Did you know, for example, that muscle strength declines by 15% per decade after age 50 and 30% per decade after age 70?

By regularly participating in strength-building exercise,muscle mass and strength can be restored!

What’s more, exercise also makes it easier for older individuals to maintain their strength, balance, flexibility and endurance, all of which are important for staying healthy and independent.

Lastly, exercise improves insulin sensitivity and can improve a person’s response to blood glucose medications such as insulin.

Exercise is safe for everyone!  Exercise improves all conditions!

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Get-Fit Advice for Women Over 50

What Exercises Can Elderly People With Limited Mobility Do?

 

The benefits of exercise are not restricted to people who have full mobility. In fact, if injury, disability, illness, or weight problems have limited your mobility, it’s even more important to experience the mood-boosting effects of exercise.

Exercise can ease depression, relieve stress and anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and improve your whole outlook on life. While there are many challenges that come with having mobility issues, by adopting a creative approach, you can overcome your physical limitations and find enjoyable ways to exercise.

Limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t exercise!

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Workouts For Elderly People

GARDENING-FOR-SENIORS

 

http://The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors: How to Maintain Your Outside Space with Ease Into Retirement and Beyond

Exercise can play a vital role in reducing weight and managing type 2 diabetes. It can stabilize blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and slow the progression of neuropathy.

A good first step to exercising is to incorporate more activity into your everyday life.

Gardening, walking to the store, washing the car, sweeping the patio, or pacing while talking on the phone are all easy ways to get moving. Even small activities can add up over the course of a day, especially when you combine them with short periods of scheduled exercise as well.

Cardiovascular Workouts For Elderly People

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Weight-bearing activities such as walking, dancing, and climbing stairs are cardiovascular exercises! Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase your workout times. Make activities more enjoyable by walking the dog, dancing with a friend, or climbing stairs to your favorite music.

If you experience pain in your feet or joints when you stand, try nonweight-bearing activities.

Water-based activities such as swimming or water aerobics place less stress on your feet and joints. Look for special classes at your local health club,  or swim center where you can exercise with other people. Other nonweight-bearing activities include chair exercises .

Strength Training Workouts For Elderly People

Many  people find using an exercise ball is more comfortable than a weight bench. Or you can perform simple strength training exercises in a chair.

If you opt to invest in home exercise equipment, check the weight guidelines and if possible try the equipment out first to make sure it’s a comfortable fit.

While strength training at home, it’s important to ensure you’re maintaining good posture and performing each exercise correctly. Schedule a session with a personal trainer or ask a knowledgeable friend or relative to check it out.

To exercise successfully with limited mobility, illness, or weight problems, start by getting medical clearance. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider about activities suitable for your medical condition or mobility issue.

Emotional Aspects of Diabetes In Elderly People

psychology of ageing

http://The Psychology of Ageing: An Introduction

 Inevitable physical and social changes occur as people enter old age. The senior years have their challenges that affect people’s diabetic management!

From time to time, we all come down with a case of the blues, but did you know that older adults with diabetes are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression? It’s true. An estimated 28% of older adults with diabetes will experience depression, which is nearly double the average occurrence rate for the general  adult population.

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If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

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