Due to an increase in age, many seniors have a decrease in their physical activity. As people get older, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. The loss of strength and stamina attributed to aging is caused by reduced physical activity. According to the National Center of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Prevention, seniors can benefit from exercise. Some of the benefits of physical activity include reducing the risk of falling and fracturing bones, helping with endurance and muscle strength, and helping pain associated with arthritis symptoms. Exercise is not only good for the body; it’s also good for brain functions, mood, and memory. A lack of exercise during adult life can lead and become associated with fatigue, body weakness, …show more content…
Diabetes is a disease caused by the body’s inability maintains proper blood glucose levels. Diabetes can be caused to anyone, but there is a link between diabetes and obesity. Extra weight gain is the main concern for older adults because it can increase the risk for diseases such as type two diabetes, heart disease, and can increase joint problems. Being overweight places extra stress on our body in a variety of ways and diabetes can be problematic in seniors. According to Kulkarni (2014), “There are 17 million people in the United States living with diabetes and the majority of seniors with diabetes are living with type two diabetes.” This can be because the two major causes of type two diabetes are eating too much and exercising too little. According to NIH Senior Health (n.d) eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits. Since the body is trying to make up for lost fluid and fuel, people may tend to eat more. The opposite can also happen. Even though a diabetic may eat more than usual, weight loss can occur because the muscles don't get enough glucose. According to NIH (2014) “Statistical analyses of the pooled data indicated that the excess numbers of deaths in the class III obesity group were mostly due to heart disease, cancer and diabetes.” The best way to prevent diabetes is to eat less sugar and exercise more. Many …show more content…
As the age, the body needs the same amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals and, in some instances, even more nutrients. As people get older, they tend to eat less and make different food choices. According to Drewnowski and Shultz (2001) “Lower food intake among the elderly has been associated with lower intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin E. Low energy intakes or low nutrient density of a diet may increase the risk of diet-related illnesses and pose a health problem.” For example, vitamin B-12 is essential to the aging body. After age 50, the body's ability to absorb the vitamin often fades. This is because as aging occurs, the body doesn’t produce as much stomach acid as it used to. Vitamin B-12 is needed to break down from food sources. According to Cosgrove, Franco, Granger, Murray and Mayes (2007) “Promoting healthy dietary behaviors may have additional benefit for skin appearance in addition to other health outcomes in the population.” Another dietary factor that is essential for the aging human body is vitamin D and calcium intake. As the skin ages it starts to lose collagen and elasticity, which can be the cause of wrinkles. Aging skin is also less prominent to receiving less vitamin D, which affects the body’s ability to absorb calcium. According to Peters (2013) “Calcium plays many roles in the body.” But it is most important for building and maintaining strong bones.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (2011), 18.5 % of the United States population is over the age of 60 years. Of these, 10.9 million (26.9%) are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (ADA, 2011.) In Lewis and associates’ text book on Medical- Surgical nursing, Lewis states that the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) increases with age (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, and Camera, 2011.) The purpose of this paper is to explore the disease process of diabetes mellitus in the geriatric population.
Fatigue, decreased mobility and impaired balance from the rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain also increases the risk of falls (Stanmore et al., 2013). Age related changes such as sarcopenia causes muscle tone and strength to decrease, especially in the lower limbs and as a result, balance and gait become impaired (Culross, 2008). These factors significantly influence the risk of falls and also affect the ability to carry out daily activities therefore, with a physiotherapists assistance, the nurse could introduce a personalised exercise regime to enhance muscle tone and strength (Culross, 2008). According to Neuberger et al (1997), exercise lessens fatigue and improves muscle tone and balance in older people. Recommending an exercise programme for Mrs Jones that incorporates strength training exercises and aerobics, could potentially improve muscle tone and strength and as a result improve mobility, balance and lessen the risk of falls (Bird, Pittaway, Cuisick, Rattray & Ahuja, 2013). The nurse could also suggest safety precautions such as advising Mrs Jones to use a mobility aid (Gooberman-Hill & Ebrahim,
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (blood sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Diabetes falls into two main categories: type 1, or juvenile diabetes, which usually occurs during childhood or adolescence, and type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, the most common form of the disease, usually occurring after age 40. Type 1 results from the body’s immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The onset of juvenile diabetes is much higher in the winter than in the summer. This association has been repeatedly confirmed in diabetes research. Type 2 is characterized by “insulin resistance,” or an inability of the cells to use insulin, sometimes accompanied by a deficiency in insulin production. There is also sometimes a third type of diabetes considered. It is gestational diabetes, which occurs when the body is not able to properly use insulin during pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes encompasses nine out of 10 diabetic cases. Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States, and it has no cure. The total annual economic cost of diabetes in 2002 was estimated to be $132 billion, or one out of every 10 health care dollars spent in the United States. Diabetes risk factors can fall into three major categories: family history, obesity, and impaired glucose tolerance. Minority groups and elderly are at the greatest risk of developing diabetes.
As according to the CDC both heart disease and type two diabetes are at a higher risk if coupled with obesity. The very best way to prevent obesity is proper diet and exercise. Exercise does not just mean going to the gym and lifting weights or attempting to build muscle, but rather do cardio workouts. Cardio work outs are the best way to prevent both heart disease and obesity. This involves running, walking, swimming and even bike riding. The primary goal is to get a persons heart rate to increase under the weight and restraint of a persons body. Building to much muscle can be unhealthy later in life if it is not maintained, as it can waste away into excess weight. Walking and doing mild exercise even into older life is also helpful in preventing heart disease. The CDC claims at least 150 minutes of exercise a week will help weight loss and help type II diabetes prevention (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). A diet should be well balanced, this is not a short term solution to lose weight, but is a life style choice to promote a persons well being. High sugar diet and processed fats should be avoided. A person should increase vegetable and fruit food options, and avoid fried food. It is important to maintain good cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as being out of the normal range will increase a persons risk for type II diabetes and heart disease
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifestyle_causes_of_diabetes_mellitus_type_2, Reference #8: Eberhart, M. S.; Ogden, C, Engelgau, M, Cadwell, B, Hedley, A. A., Saydah, S. H., (November 2004). "Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Adults with Diagnosed Diabetes --- United States, 1988--1994 and 1999--2002". Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 53 (45): 1066–8. PMID 15549021. Retrieved 19 July 2008.
All in all, my mother’s family who suffered from diabetes were considered to be obese. Although medications, exercise, or dieting will not for sure cure anyone, had they taken better precautions it is possible they may have lived a longer life. Being a genetic trait in my family I find it important to work out and watch what I eat so that I can avoid getting any types of diabetes. Make it your goal to be aware of what you are doing in your everyday life because you never knew if what you eat or do today will affect you tomorrow.
A number of factors influence the nutritional status of the elderly. First, several physiological changes impact elderly nutritional requirements. Changes in taste and smell may decrease an individual's appetite or desire for food. Gastro-intestinal motility decreases with age and may lead to constipation, decreased nutrient absorption, and a decrease in fat and protein absorption. Metabolism also slows with age; this results in a decrease of lean body mass and an increase in body fat (8). Lastly, bone mass decreases, leaving the elderly vulnerable to bone fractures from falls and osteoporosis.
The two main age-related changes that are seen in this system pertain to the bones and soft tissues. Bone is the fundamental part of the musculoskeletal system because it provides structure and strength for the body. In order for proper functioning, the bone needs to absorb nutrients from the body; however, as a person increases in age, the intake of vitamin D is less absorbed. This contributes to the decrease in bone mass after the age of thirty-five (Aldwin). Moreover, the health of bones in later life is different for women and men. Men are more active compared to women and the declines in sex hormones are slower in men than in women (Aldwin). Immediately after menopause, women are at greater risk of bone
During midlife, metabolism decreases as well a muscle mass, without weight training to maintain muscle the body does not burn calories efficiently. The tendency to be less active during midlife while taking on more calories leads to weight gain and lethargy. Exercising increases the cardio and respiratory function, therefore regular exercise may reduce the physiologic responses to waning estrogen. It will reduce LDL, triglycerides, and fibrinogen, and increases HDL, further benefits include lowered risk of blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. Low impact exercise and strength training may increase bone density and help prevent osteoporosis. Increased movement may offset joint aches and pains, and improve mood
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic health condition in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than usual. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not create enough insulin and type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin is produced, but is not adequate in lowering blood glucose levels or there is resistance to the insulin (Edwards, 2007, p. 9). Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, foot and leg amputations, and new cases of blindness in the United States (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2010, p. 1465-66). People with type 1 diabetes are required to take insulin to manage their glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes are usually prescribed oral medications such as sulfonylurea agents, meglitinide analogues, or biguanides to help control their glucose levels. Twenty to 30% of people with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy as well (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2010, p. 1471). In addition to medication therapy, diet and weight control can help manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because diabetes mellitus can cause such severe complications, it is important that people with diabetes understand the importance of certain health and lifestyle choices, such as their diet and weight to manage their disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus should pay special attention to the amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and minerals that are included in their diet. Monitoring these components of their diet, along with weight management, can help control their diabetes mellitus.
Exercising is important to help prevent this case as it has so many benefits. Everyone needs regular aerobic exercise, and people who have type 2 diabetes are no exception. What’s most important is making physical activity part of your daily routine, it will also decrease your blood sugar levels. It can help you lose weight, and if you’re insulin resistant, it can help your body increase its sensitivity to insulin (exercise can help you use insulin better) and is a great way to prevent type 2 diabetes such as maintaining a healthy diet too. Why is type 2 diabetes an issue for my community?- Type 2 diabetes is one of the biggest international health challenges in the world.
One of the best ways in how people can improve their overall mood, keep their bones healthy and even live longer, is by being an active person. Fred DeVito stated that “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn 't change you”; however most people just want exercise just to have a fit body and be healthier without knowing great results. Other effects that exercise has into the body are normalization of glucose, insulin and leptin levels. In other words not only will it make the appearance in a person’s life to look great, but their entire body will have an extraordinary response. In order to have a more fulfilling and enjoyable life, those who are out of shape should participate in regular fitness schedule reginert.
Adding exercises into one’s daily routines can change their whole lifestyle. Many people look at exercise as being something just for people who want to lose weight or to become muscle bound, but there are a great deal of benefits that can be received from exercising regularly. Of course gaining muscle and losing fat are the two most popular reasons that usually attract people to the gym, but they make up a small part of the potential benefits that can be achieved with exercise. There are several ways in which I have benefited in my life from exercising regularly, besides just making me bigger and stronger. It has made me become more organized, helped me make better decisions, and motivated me to take on new challenges in life.
The author has reviewed the previous studies on the barriers of regular physical activity in the community living older people (Jones and Nies 1996, Conn 1998, Heesch et al 2003, Lin et.al 2007). But the review shows that little study was done among older adults living in LTC about the barriers they face in their physical activity. The areas of nursing practices are to identify the barriers in older people that keep them away from their physical activity. Developing a plan of care and interventions depend on the individual problems.
Diabetes can be caused by high levels of sugar and cholesterol found in the body. By fasting sugar consumption activities and fatty foods will be controlled so that it in turn can prevent diabetes and its derivatives.