Senior Diet Recommendations
A healthy diet is vital for individuals with diabetes, in addition to maintaining a healthy weight. Use your diabetes meal plan. If you do not have one, ask your health care team about one.
- Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, chicken or turkey without the skin, dry peas or beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.
- Keep fish and lean meat and poultry portion to about 3 ounces (or the size of a deck of cards). Bake, broil, or grill it.
- Eat foods that have less fat and salt.
- Eat foods with more fiber such as whole grains cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.
Physical Activity for Seniors
Get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Brisk walking is a great way to move more.
Stay at a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more. Many seniors find that wearing a pedometer motivates them to stay active.
Your Mind and Body
Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.
Learn to cope with stress. Stress can raise your blood glucose. While it is hard to remove stress from your life, you can learn to handle it.
Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit.
Take medicines even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.
Brush your teeth and floss every day to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums
Managing Your Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure
Check your blood glucose. Talk with your health care team about your blood glucose targets. Ask how and when to test your blood glucose and how to use the results to manage your diabetes. You may want to test it one or more times a day. Keep a record of your blood glucose numbers. Be sure to take this record to your doctor visits.
Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises and report any changes in your eyesight to your doctor.
