As women grow older and become more susceptible to serious health conditions, it becomes increasingly important for them to take care of their bodies so they can remain healthy. Here are a few suggestions to help senior women get into better shape.
Monitor Medication Side Effects
Prescription medications can cause side effects that may lead to exercise intolerance. If your elderly loved one takes beta blockers, which are medications used in the management of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and migraines, she may be unable to exercise. This is especially important in postmenopausal women because they’re at greater risk for fatigue due to depleted estrogen stores. Beta blocker side effects may include fatigue, dizziness, pain or heaviness in the legs, blurred vision, and drowsiness.
If your loved one is unable to effectively exercise in the hopes of getting into better shape, talk to her physician about lowering the dosage or recommending a different medication altogether. Your loved one may also have a hormonal imbalance that needs to be treated to eliminate fatigue. Estrogen deficiencies are common in older women, but they can usually tolerate the medication side effects once these deficiencies are corrected.
If you usually monitor your loved one for health issues such as medication side effects but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Oakville respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Stay Hydrated
Older women are sometimes at risk for dehydration. Medications known as diuretics, or “water pills,” lead to excessive urination, which can cause dehydration. When dehydration occurs, fitness levels can decrease and the cardiovascular system has to work harder. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help senior women prevent dehydration so they can participate in activities that keep them in shape. Women are prone to the effects of dehydration on the urinary tract, and even mild dehydration can lead to a urinary tract infection. When an elderly woman has a urinary tract infection, pain, fever, and fatigue may be preventing her from attaining her fitness goals.
Get a Dog
When senior women own dogs, they’re more likely to take walks and play in their yards with their pets. Both of these activities increase fitness levels while creating bonds between the pets and their owners. Walking a dog can also help women overcome the effects of osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease that can cause brittleness and is much more common in senior women than in men.
Many senior women are able to safely enjoy numerous types of exercise, especially when they have the help of trained professional caregivers. Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Eat Lighter
Consuming heavy, fat-laden foods can slow elderly women down and make them feel less motivated to stay fit. Eating lighter foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and lean meats, fish, and poultry can keep weight within normal limits while providing the energy older women need to engage in exercise. A healthy diet can also lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels and keep systemic inflammation at bay. Postmenopausal weight gain often affects women in the belly or abdominal area. Too much adipose tissue in the stomach may slow women down, leading to exercise intolerance and fatigue.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Oakville, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (905) 337-1200 today.