Diet soda may seem like the ultimate low-calorie beverage, but it has several serious drawbacks that can negatively impact aging adults’ health. Here are some of the top reasons to stop drinking diet soda in the senior years.
Increased Waist Size
Studies show seniors who drink diet soda on a regular basis may experience a notable increase in waist size over time. A larger waist size may not sound too alarming, but it can actually affect senior mobility and posture, and extra weight can lead to significant joint problems.
If your loved one needs help following a nutritious diet, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Confused Taste Buds
Artificial sweeteners in diet soda have more intense flavors than regular table sugar. Prolonged consumption actually dulls taste buds to naturally sweet foods, such as apples and bananas. This leads to an increase in sugar consumption just to satisfy the taste buds.
Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Seniors already have a higher risk of diabetes than younger people, and drinking diet soda considerably increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One study published in Diabetes Care showed daily consumption of diet soda led to a 36 percent increase in the risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67 percent increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Monitoring your loved one’s diet can be challenging, especially if you have work and family obligations to attend to as well. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Greater Depression Risk
Diet soda consumption has been linked to depression. In studies of people aged 51 to 70, seniors who drank diet soda were found to have a 30 percent higher chance of being diagnosed with clinical depression over a 10-year time period. If your loved one is drinking diet soda every day, help him or her gradually consume less with emotional support, education, and assistance with finding a viable replacement for the addictive beverage.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your loved one make healthier choices and enjoy a high quality of life. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at 920-717-1767.