Overeating is a frequent phenomenon in the aged, and it can lead to major health problems such as diabetes, poor digestion, weakened bones, and cardiovascular disease. Caregivers must attempt to promote appropriate food habits and an efficient exercise regime to assist elders to sustain good health and wellbeing. Here are some suggestions to help your elderly loved one stop overeating.
Do Not Nag
Binge eaters sometimes feel horrible about their actions. Condemning, being enraged, or offering pressure tactics to a compulsive eater will just add to their anxiety and exacerbate the issue. Make it apparent that you worry about the person’s health and wellbeing. Next, set a positive example by eating well, inviting them to exercise together, and coping with stress without the use of food. Make no harsh remarks on their bodies.
Fill Their Time
Retirees may overeat as a result of monotony or depression. If your beloved parent doesn’t have a partner, friends, or relatives nearby, recommend that they take up a pastime. A passion may be a good way to keep themselves from overeating and can even improve moods. Knitting, sculpting, and baking are all age-appropriate activities for older adults. Outdoor interests such as gardening, camping, and bird watching can also help to keep food thoughts at bay.
Avoid Triggers
It’s critical to figure out what emotional triggers your folks have. Certain remarks, actions, or circumstances might make people feel stressed and agitated. To prevent overeating that occurs as a result of an emotional reaction, it is vital to recognize such stimuli and develop strategies to cope with them.
Prepare More Protein
Protein keeps your parents satisfied for longer, preventing excess consumption. A high-protein breakfast, such as egg whites, leafy vegetables, oats with berries, or plain yogurt with nuts and fruit, is recommended. Protein-rich meals may also help mom or dad prevent obesity and keep other health problems in check.
Encourage Slow Eating
One of the most common indicators of overeating is swallowing too quickly or gulping down meals with little chewing. Having food too fast might cause your brain to send signals to your body that you need to eat more to satiate your cravings. As a result, you can encourage your folks to eat mindfully and chew thoroughly before moving on to the next spoonful.
Serve Water with Meals
When the body mistakes dehydration for hunger, which happens because hydration is necessary for regular bodily function, overeating and severe snacking can occur. As a result, aged folks must consume enough water all through the day.
Urge your loved one to drink a glass of plain water or fruit-infused teas with their meals instead of reaching for that can of soda. Drinking sufficient water can help mom or dad avoid sweetened drinks and fried foods by reducing the desire to overeat and nibble frequently.
Caregivers for elderly family members may find it tough to believe that overeating is an issue. That’s because many older folks suffer from diminished appetites, and grown children are more concerned that their parents aren’t eating sufficiently, rather than overeating. But there is no doubt that overeating is a major problem that affects retirees from all walks of life. Follow our suggestions above to assist you in preventing your loved ones from overeating.
