How to Reduce Muscle Loss in the Golden Years

Some degree of muscle loss is inevitable with aging, yet there comes a point where losing too much muscle mass can leave seniors vulnerable to health problems. If too much muscle is lost, seniors may not have the strength to manage their daily activities. Their quality of life may be lowered, and they could have a shortened life expectancy. Maintaining muscle mass during the senior years is possible when you know how to help your senior loved one live a healthy lifestyle that reduces the effects of aging on the body. 

Stay Active

A large amount of muscle loss can occur quickly in seniors who are sedentary. If your loved one is sedentary simply due to a lack of interest in physical activity, try to find ways to incorporate more movement into the day. For instance, your loved one might enjoy going for a walk outside with a caregiver or find it fun to play a game of fetch with a pet. Once your loved one begins to engage in more physical activity, you can then plan more strenuous workouts that build his or her muscles up. 

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Dallas, TX, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Eat a Healthy Diet

An unbalanced diet may not have enough calories and nutrients to build muscles. Seniors who are on low-protein diets are especially vulnerable to losing large amounts of muscle mass. Talk to your loved one about the challenges he or she faces with meal planning to find solutions that help him or her eat a healthier diet. For instance, your loved one may avoid tough meats due to dental issues that need treatment. Your parent may also avoid going to the grocery store if he or she has mobility issues that hinder the ability to shop comfortably. Arranging for a caregiver to help out with grocery shopping and meal preparation could help your loved one get enough protein and other nutrients in his or her meals.

A trained professional caregiver can help your loved one prepare meals that meet all his or her specific nutritional needs. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide senior care, Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.

Reduce Inflammation in the Body

People with health conditions that generate inflammatory responses within the body tend to experience higher levels of muscle loss. You might not be able to cure your loved one’s diabetes or lupus, but you can help him or her address the health condition to reduce the damage it does to the muscles. Remind your loved one to take medications, and make arrangements that help him or her attend medical appointments. Seniors who don’t have inflammatory health conditions can also take steps to avoid preventable ones, such as diabetes. 

Avoid Serious Injuries & Illnesses

Seniors who are forced to stay in bed for lengthy periods may also experience muscle loss. The need for bed rest can often be avoided by taking simple measures around the house to prevent accidents. For instance, you might want to install handrails in the bathroom or have someone else handle potentially risky chores. Your loved one can also practice proper hygiene to prevent getting sick. Staying healthy increases the chances your loved one can have the ability to continue moving and working on keeping his or her muscle mass. 

Muscle loss is one of many conditions seniors need to be aware of so they can make lifestyle choices that promote optimal health. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. Dallas families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at [hca_phone].