As a carer for an older person with diabetes, you play an important role in encouraging habits that are good for their body and mind.
Getting older brings new barriers to maintaining healthy eating and physical activity habits. Significant changes at this stage of life can also challenge an older person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Caring for an older person with diabetes gives you the chance to help them build and maintain habits that are good for their body and mind.
You can register for a diabetes program to learn about supporting someone to manage life with diabetes.
Healthy eating
Physical activity
How you can help
Emotional wellbeing
Information and support
As people get older, their lifestyle and appetites can change, and chronic conditions such as diabetes can take up energy and affect food choices.
However, there is no such thing as a ‘diabetic diet’. Older people with diabetes can eat the same healthy foods as anyone else. It is important that they are nourished and has options that suit what they like to eat.
A doctor or dietitian can help with a healthy eating plan.
Learn more about healthy eating for people with diabetes.
Staying physically active is especially important for older people with diabetes. It helps with managing their diabetes and with other health conditions they may have.
Getting older and diabetes-related complications can limit how much physical activity someone does. But there are things a person can do even if they are frail, and every little bit helps.
Access free NDSS programs to help the person you care for get started with exercise, available face-to-face and online.
Many older people face significant life changes that can affect their mental health. Loneliness, a reduced sense of purpose, fears about the future and grief can contribute to feelings of helplessness and depression. Living with diabetes can have a big impact too.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in the person you care for, and encourage them to regularly talk to their doctor about their emotional wellbeing.
Anxiety and depression are not just a normal part of growing old and joyful aspects of life, such as sex and intimacy, can still be maintained.
Healthy eating as you age
Healthy eating and food choices for older people living with diabetes.
Information on how to manage physical activity and diabetes.
Looking after your mind
Learn more about the link between diabetes and emotional wellbeing, and what people with diabetes can do to look after their mind.
Visit our dedicated web pages with information, resources and support for people as they age.
Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.
