Do you have an aging loved one who is attempting to manage their diabetes? It isn’t always easy. Even young adults can have difficulty managing their diabetes. For retirees, it can become even more challenging as they age. In some areas of the US, approximately 18% of 65-year-olds and above have diabetes.
A vibrant lifestyle can still be lived even if your loved one is attempting to manage diabetes. Granted, some challenges will be faced by older adults with the condition. But it is definitely within reach to manage diabetes appropriately with the right knowledge.
Regular Doctor’s Appointments
Doctor’s appointments are important to everyone. They’re even more important as we age. If your loved ones cannot remember their appointments or get to them on their own, give them whatever assistance you can. If you don’t feel they’re discussing their health concerns with their doctor, feel free to sit in on the visit if all parties are in agreement.
The doctor will want to track the progress of diabetes. Your loved ones may be suffering hearing or sight problems as a side effect. Other complications like neuropathy can also arise.
Relieve Stress
For older adults with diabetes, blood sugar can increase during periods of high stress. Find healthy ways to relieve stress and avoid stressful situations if your loved ones suffer from diabetes.
Feeling isolated may be a cause of stress. Encourage socialization whenever possible. Try out arts and crafts, meditation, gardening, and other calming activities.
Diabetes Friendly Diet
To have a positive impact on diabetes, a few simple diet rules must be followed. Plenty of non-starchy vegetables should be included in well-balanced meals.
Foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats should be eaten less often. They can lead to strokes, heart disease, and cardiovascular complications.
Encourage Physical Activity
Everyone needs to be active and exercise. But for the health of a diabetic, it is even more critical. The body’s production of glucose is directly affected by physical activity. Lower blood sugar levels can better occur naturally when your body exercises.
Diabetics should try to exercise for 30 minutes per day for at least five days a week. Swimming, tai chi, yoga, walking, etc., are great ways to engage in physical activity.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Health complications can be delayed, symptoms lessened, and health risks reduced through proper blood sugar management. At least twice daily, blood sugar should be tested. It’s not a bad idea to track levels through whatever charting method works best.
Let Blue Ridge Care for Your Diabetic Loved Ones
At Blue Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care community, your loved one can enjoy socializing and various programs that concentrate on not only mental health and well-being but physical health as well. What’s more, with three delicious, healthy meals a day, they will be better able to manage their diabetes through proper, appropriate nutrition. Of course, those amenities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our senior living community.
There are, in fact, numerous perks to residing at Blue Ridge. Contact us today if you’d like to find out more or, better yet, schedule a tour.
