The 3 Most Important Things Seniors Can Do to Prevent Cancer

The Big C. Cancer. It’s a disease that nearly everyone fears. Unfortunately, older adults are at a higher risk for getting certain kinds of cancer. This means that it’s a wise idea for seniors to step up their efforts to protect themselves from cancer. While there are specific steps to take for some kinds of cancers, overall, experts agree that there are 3 things people can do to reduce their chances of getting any kind of cancer.

Home Care in Lehi UT: Cancer Preventative Measures

They are:

#1: Reach and Stay at a Healthy Weight

Being overweight not only makes getting cancer more likely, but it also increases the risk for several other serious health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. According to the American Cancer Society, carrying excess pounds increases cancer risk because it causes the body to make more of hormones that encourage cancer growth, such as insulin and estrogen.

If you’re not certain what a healthy weight is for your aging relative, ask their doctor. The doctor can also suggest ways to help the older adult lose weight. One thing you should avoid is fad diets. While some of them might help with quick weight loss, they are rarely successful in keeping weight off for the long term. The best way for older adults to reach their goal weight and stay there is to make healthy lifestyle changes.

#2: Increase Physical Activity

Exercising can help older adults to lose weight. It’s also important for controlling hormone levels and strengthen the immune system. The current recommendation for the amount of exercise older adults should get is 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Moderate intensity exercise increases the heart rate and makes the senior breathe as though they were taking a brisk walk. Forms of moderate intensity exercise include walking, riding a bicycle, swimming, housework, and gardening.

#3: Improve Dietary Choices

Eating a healthy diet is another way for older adults to reduce their weight. A healthy diet is one that uses lots of fruits and vegetables. In fact, experts recommend that fruits and vegetables be the focus of the diet. It also contains whole grains and low-fat sources of protein. It also avoids processed meats since eating large amounts has been linked to an increased cancer risk.

Elderly care can assist your aging relative to make these lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing cancer. An elderly care provider can encourage the senior to reach their weight loss goals. Elderly care providers can also help them to be more physically active by driving them to the gym, going for walks with them, or getting them to do more at home, like gardening or helping around the house. Elderly care providers can also prepare healthy, low-calorie meals.

Are you or a loved one considering hiring Home Care in Lehi, UT? Please talk to the friendly staff at December Rose Senior Care at Home. Providing Home Care in Highland, Utah and Surrounding Communities. 801-427-ROSE (7673)

Sources
Cancer.org
Mayoclinic.org
Verywellhealth.com