Thursday, November 1, 2012

Weight Loss As A Senior

As Featured On EzineArticles
The process of aging can bring a multitude of health problems to seniors. Even though maintaining a healthy weight can be more difficult as the years go by, it is not impossible. This article provides some valuable information to help older people get healthy and stay healthy.
Just because a person qualifies as a senior does not mean they are unable to do any exercises. Even if the individual is somewhat overweight, they are usually able to participate in walking, swimming and some other simple exercises. Many gyms and YMCA's have special programs for seniors, and some of them are available without cost through Medicare. By using these facilities, seniors are able to exercise in all seasons without needing to worry about cold, snow and ice.
By the time someone has reached their senior years, they are usually aware of the foods that make up a healthy diet. They no longer enjoy the deep fried foods that teenagers do, mostly because they can cause heartburn and other digestive upsets. Comfort foods like roasted vegetables and grilled chicken are among the healthy foods that seniors are most likely to enjoy.
Many times a senior can find information about weight loss groups in their area through their doctor or clinic. Since being overweight can bring on age related illnesses, it is important for seniors to reduce their weight to a healthy level and maintain it. That can be difficult with the less demanding lifestyle that retirement brings, so it is important to connect with other seniors who have the same weight loss goals.
Vitamins cannot bring about weight loss, but weight loss will probably occur if an individual has more energy. This is an important connection between good nutrition and losing weight, so seniors should investigate which supplements will give them an energy boost. Nutritional supplements are important to nearly everyone in our modern world because most foods are over-processed and have lost the nutritional value they should have.
While seniors may not have the desire to play the more strenuous sports that younger people do, they may want to join a sports team made up of seniors only. These groups plan activities that seniors can easily handle, and the activity gets them moving and helps them maintain their mobility.
Older people usually do not have the same kind of appetite that younger people do. Because of their lower level of activity, they do not need to take in the same number of calories they used to. Meals should be planned around this fact, and foods with a lower calorie content should be prepared.
Once an individual reaches the point where they can be considered a senior, it is more difficult to lose weight. Old eating habits are ingrained and difficult to change. Seniors should concentrate on eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and less high protein foods. While grandma may enjoy baking cookies for her grandkids, she should probably resist eating very many of them.

You may already be aware of how difficult it can be to lose weight as you grow older. With a little planning and commitment, it can be done. Use the tips in this article to be a healthy senior, and enjoy your golden years more.

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