Focusing on the health of the elderly is a concern that children should pay attention to. So, is it better for the elderly to be thin or fat? What is the healthy way for the elderly to take care of their health?
Is it Healthy for the Elderly to be Overweight?
In fact, being overweight or underweight is not good for the health of the elderly;
In general, the body fat percentage of the elderly should be maintained at around 20% to be appropriate. Being overweight or underweight can bring some health risks.
The Hazards of Overweight for the Elderly
1. Leading to three high conditions
Being overweight increases the chances of the elderly developing high blood lipids. This is because in obese individuals, especially those with abdominal obesity;
Fat in the body cannot be digested and absorbed, causing the excess fat to accumulate in the liver, enter the bloodstream through circulation, and lead to increasing blood lipids.
2. Increasing cerebrovascular diseases
Most obese elderly individuals have three high conditions, which makes it easier for cerebrovascular diseases to occur.
The likelihood of developing cerebral arteriosclerosis in this population increases significantly because their blood vessels are hard and brittle.
People with hypertension are more prone to ruptured blood vessels and cerebral hemorrhage, which can even endanger the lives of the elderly.
3. Fatty liver
The likelihood of obese elderly individuals developing fatty liver also increases, leading to an enlarged liver.
Obese individuals who consume a diet high in carbohydrates and fat for a long time often have hyperinsulinemia.
This causes the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver to exceed the liver's ability to transport them out, resulting in the accumulation of excess fat in the body and the development of fatty liver.
The Hazards of Underweight for the Elderly
1. Poor physical condition
When the elderly are too thin, their bodies are much weaker than those of normal individuals, and they may feel weak in daily life;
They are more susceptible to catching the flu during the peak season.
2. Malnutrition
Underweight elderly individuals are more likely to experience malnutrition because their food intake is insufficient to provide enough nutrients for their bodies.
3. Prone to skin diseases
The likelihood of underweight elderly individuals developing skin diseases increases significantly because being underweight can cause the skin to become thin, dry, and reduce the secretion of sebaceous glands.
Methods for Elderly Health Care
1. Regular check-ups
Because the resistance of the elderly is weaker than that of normal adults, the likelihood of developing diseases is higher, and there are many hidden dangers in their bodies, so regular check-ups are necessary.
2. Balanced diet
It is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, and coarse grains, as they are nutritious and healthy;
Of course, it is best to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and not save money by eating bad ones, as it may cause health problems and end up spending more money, which is not cost-effective.
3. Limit the use of health supplements
Health supplements are actually compressed drugs that concentrate certain elements, which can burden the digestive system;
It can also deplete certain elements in the body, and long-term use of health supplements may affect normal life and cause the occurrence of diseases, which is not recommended.
4. Limit the use of sleeping pills and engage in regular exercise
If the elderly have symptoms of insomnia, they should not take sleeping pills to promote sleep as it can have an impact on their nervous system;
In addition, it may lead to dependence, which is not advisable.
