Obesity is a growing health concern among seniors, particularly in Australia, where an estimated two-thirds of people over the age of 65 are overweight or obese. This presents a number of challenges, both physically and mentally, and it is important to take action to help seniors combat obesity and improve their overall health.
Obesity in Seniors
The need to combat the threat of obesity in seniors may have background in certain official studies, with the 2017-18 National Health Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provides some insights.
In the 55-64 age group, the Survey identified 41.6 per cent of male respondents as obese while 42.2 per cent were classified as overweight; 28.4 per cent of women in that demographic were overweight and 38.1 per cent as obese.
The data increased in the 65-74 age group: while the percentage of overweight men was at 40.9 per cent, obese men were tagged at 42.2 per cent. Overweight women were pegged at 34.4 per cent total and obese women at 38.7 per cent.
The 2023 edition of the World Obesity Federation’s World Obesity Atlas tagged Australia as possibly having 47 per cent of its population as obese by 2035. One of the study interviewees, Mildura, NSW solicitor Ivana Blekic, said that Australia does not recognise obesity as a chronic condition. However, the Atlas’ Global Preparedness Index ranked Australia as Good at No. 24 out of 183 countries, indicating notable efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce weight.
Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation (IHT) also released its evaluation of the Food Policy Index from 2017 to 2021. The study revealed that the previous federal administration had not yet generated tangible results from the objectives of both the National Preventive Health Strategy and the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.
For the 2022-2025 Food Policy Index, though, IHT identified key priorities to turn the tide on obesity, including maintaining the Health Star rating scheme, figuring more accessibility options for healthy food, a levy on sugary drinks, and warning labels for products with high amounts of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.
“Nearly 65 per cent of Australian adults, and 25 per cent of Australian children are overweight or obese. Less than seven per cent of people in Australia consume a healthy diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. These statistics haven’t improved over the past few years, despite obesity prevention being a national health priority,” lamented IHT Associate Professor Gary Sacks.
Combating Obesity in Seniors
There are a number of different strategies that can be employed to help seniors get trim and avoid obesity.
Diet
A healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and seniors should aim to eat a balanced diet that is low in fat, sugar, and salt. They should also eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
Exercise
Regular exercise is as important as eating options for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. This could include activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling, as well as more structured forms of exercise such as yoga or tai chi. Exercise helps to build muscle, increase flexibility, and improve balance, all of which are important for seniors who are at a higher risk of falls and injuries.
Inspirations
Another effective strategy for combating obesity in seniors is to encourage them to be more physically active throughout the day. This could include simple activities such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going for a walk in the park. Additionally, seniors could consider taking up a new hobby or interest that involves physical activity, such as gardening or dancing.
Destressing
Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight, as well as reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
Support Arms
Seniors with bouts of obesity must seek support from friends and family, as well as from health professionals. This can help to provide motivation and accountability, as well as providing access to information and resources to help seniors maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall health. Healthcare professionals with knowledge of weight loss may counsel against certain treatments that might endanger the person trying to lose the fat.
Finally, it is important to recognise that combating obesity in seniors is a collective effort, and that everyone has a role to play. This includes governments, health organisations, employers, and the general public, all of whom have a responsibility to promote healthy lifestyles and to support seniors in shedding weight to more manageable levels.
Conclusion
Combating obesity in seniors is a critical issue, and it is important to take action to help seniors maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall health. By promoting healthy diets, regular exercise, physical activity, and a supportive environment, we can help seniors to live longer, healthier lives, free from the physical and mental challenges posed by obesity.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can provide additional support to help reduce obesity among elderly individuals. The equity generated can be partially used to finance various health initiatives, such as comprehensive medical checkups, investing in healthier food options for weight loss, and enrolling in physical exercise programs, including gym memberships.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.