Aging increases the likelihood of developing cancer, so adopting preventive measures becomes vital for seniors, especially if they already have other cancer risk factors. Integrating healthy habits into daily routines can significantly reduce their risk and provide them with better overall health and well-being. Even better, seniors with home care by their side gain additional resources and knowledge to help them along the way.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Helping seniors reduce their cancer risk starts with adopting healthy lifestyle choices. Home care providers can encourage seniors to consider some of the following changes and offer other suggestions as well:
- Balanced Diet: It is essential to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in meals. Foods packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals protect cells from damage. A colorful plate ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients, which support overall health.
- Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise is crucial. Seniors should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Walking, swimming, and yoga are excellent options and can be done within the community, which also increases socialization. Additionally, exercise helps regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which can lower cancer risk.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Speaking of maintaining a healthy weight, obesity has been linked to several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and kidney cancer. By following the two tips above, seniors will be well on their way to maintaining a healthy weight.
Avoid Harmful Substances
While there are things that seniors should add to their daily routine, like exercise and the right diet, there are also things they need to avoid, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
It’s long been known that smoking causes a variety of different types of cancer, and quitting can greatly reduce the risk. However, seniors who have smoked their whole lives may have a difficult time quitting. If this is the case, they should talk with their medical provider.
While the link between smoking and cancer is widely known, seniors might not realize that drinking alcohol also increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. Limiting intake to one drink per day for women and two for men can lower this risk. If seniors struggle with this, they can be encouraged to try non-alcoholic alternatives.
Regular Medical Screenings
Routine screenings detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Regular checkups, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, skin exams, and prostate exams, should be based on medical advice. For many seniors, however, the fear of the unknown stops them from doing these routine exams.
Home care can assist in their situation, encouraging them to speak with their medical team and suggesting educational resources that explore certain types of screens.
Taking proactive steps to reduce cancer risk is vital for seniors. With home care by their side, they can adopt a healthy lifestyle, avoid harmful substances, and learn more about necessary screenings to help reduce their risk of cancer.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Tempe, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care today. Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care is a top provider of home care services in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
- https://www.foxchase.org/blog/steps-you-can-take-decrease-your-risk-5-common-cancers
- https://springfieldhospice.com/the-importance-of-regular-health-checkups-for-seniors/
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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