Though the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, there are certain risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing this condition. Seniors can take these steps to mitigate cancer risks and promote pancreatic health.
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking affects the DNA in pancreatic cells and causes genetic mutation, which may result in abnormal cell growth and the development of cancer. Seniors who currently smoke should work with their doctors to establish smoking cessation plans.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Limit Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins also affect DNA at the cellular level. Aging adults looking for part-time work after retirement should avoid employment that involves prolonged exposure to chemicals. Due to this fact, working in warehouses and industrial facilities is often less than ideal for promoting pancreatic health. It’s also a good idea to use organic products in all gardening projects, since pesticides, herbicides, and chemically laden fertilizers contain toxins that can affect pancreatic health.
3. Establish & Maintain a Healthy Weight
Seniors with obesity have a higher likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer than their healthier counterparts. This is why aging adults should eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. According to the American Cancer Society, the ideal foods seniors should eat to prevent pancreatic cancer include fruits, vegetables, and whole unrefined grains.
If your loved one needs help adopting healthier lifestyle habits to stave off cancer and other serious conditions, a home caregiver can be a wonderful asset. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. Anchorage families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinking isn’t currently believed to be a direct cause of pancreatic cancer. However, excess alcohol consumption is linked to cirrhosis and pancreatitis. Both of these conditions are considered high risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Seniors should also be mindful of how alcohol might interact with any prescription medications they’re taking.
5. Choose Poultry or Fish Over Pork & Red Meat
Limiting the consumption of both pork and red meat is an effective step in cancer prevention. Aging adults should include poultry, fish, fresh fruits, and fresh or lightly steamed vegetables in their diets. Fresh produce is rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients that boost overall health.
Making healthy lifestyle changes is a great first step in preventing cancer and many other serious health conditions. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Anchorage, AK, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call us at (907) 770-0907 to create a customized in-home care plan.