Every year in November we observe National Diabetes Month. The national campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about a condition that affects millions of lives. United with people across all 50 states, we share the massive scale of diabetes as a public health issue and talk about managing diabetes in retirement living. This month serves as a powerful reminder that while the journey of managing diabetes can be challenging, those living with the condition can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives with the right tools and support in place.
Realizing the Impact of Diabetes in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38.4 million Americans have diabetes. That’s 11.6% of our U.S. population! Beyond those already diagnosed, there are approximately 97 million Americans aged 18 or older that have pre-diabetes. For older adults, the numbers are even higher with nearly half 48% of people aged 65 or older having pre-diabetes. The implications can be far reaching as diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and even lower limb amputation. Effective management is key for quality of life.
Managing Diabetes in Retirement Living
For those living with diabetes, the past few decades have brought new innovations like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems and powerful new drug therapies. However, successful diabetes management for older adults is also about structure, support and the environment. That’s why a place like Brandermill Woods can be a powerful ally in the management of diabetes. If an older adult faces decreased mobility, social isolation and the complexity of medication regimens, a retirement community or Assisted Living community can be a trusted partner. A supportive environment along with the right combination of diabetes management tools can be life changing and result in a higher quality of life.
Making Healthy Choices With Specialized Meal Plans
One of the most immediate benefits of living with diabetes at a place like Brandermill Woods is access to expertly prepared, diabetes-friendly meals. Residents no longer have to worry about meal planning, grocery shopping or complex carbohydrate counting. Our registered dietitians collaborate with medical teams to design personalized evidence-based meal plans that focus on flavor and freshness. There’s an emphasis on carbohydrate management, portion control, whole foods, healthy fats, and minimizing sugars as well as consistent mealtimes to help stabilize blood glucose levels. These meal plans cater to individual dietary needs, preferences and health conditions like diabetes. Beyond meal planning, there are also monthly community discussions with our dietitians and ongoing education.
Take a look at this cheat sheet of diabetes-friendly ingredients to add to your plate to stay healthy:
- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower — high in fiber and low in glycemic impact
- Leafy greens: kale, spinach, Swiss chard
- Pumpkin & squash (in moderation): packed with nutrients and fiber
- Cranberries (fresh or low-sugar dried): good for antioxidants
- Pears, apples: whole fruit with skin (not juice) for fiber
- Nuts & seeds: almonds, walnuts, chia, flax — healthy fats + protein to balance carbs
- Whole grains: oatmeal, quinoa, farro — pair with protein
- Legumes: black beans, lentils, chickpeas — excellent plant-based protein & fiber
Moving and Exercising Just For the Fun of It
Physical activity is another cornerstone of diabetes management, and at Brandermill Woods movement is a fun and social part of the day. With a heated indoor pool and modern fitness center, Brandermill Woods offers a wide range of aquatic and land fitness classes designed for senior capabilities. It’s easier to stay active with so many choices. Residents can choose the water walking/balance class on Thursdays or the line dance class on Mondays. There are also classes like Chair Yoga, Stretch & Tone, Powercise, Balance, and Fitness Drumming. Residents can join friends, neighbors and groups for trail walking, the annual Alzheimer’s Walk, and outings and walking tours to local historic sites regularly. Having easy access to the fitness center, the pool and easily walkable trails right on campus is built-in motivation. Add to that a social support of new friends and our residents are able to easily meet the goal of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. There are so many easy and accessible ways to make movement a priority every day right outside your door.
Enjoying the Connection and Social Support of Community
Social connection is a critical component of physical health as numerous studies have shown that loneliness can be linked to many diseases including type 2 diabetes. For older adults who are often at risk of isolation due to life changes, a retirement community offers an invaluable solution by making social support a structured part of life. Living in a community provides a built-in network of peers and staff for shared meals, group exercise classes, and daily social activities like the writer’s group, book club, reader’s theater, social trivia and the yappy hour for residents with dogs. Retirement living fosters a vibrant social environment. Sharing the journey and connecting with other residents who are managing diabetes or other conditions can also be helpful. It’s a built-in support network that can positively impact health behaviors.
Professional Oversight and Peace of Mind
The trained staff at a retirement community is perhaps the greatest benefit in helping with diabetes management. The daily presence of highly trained and compassionate people who can assist with timely and accurate medication administration including insulin injections and monitoring blood glucose levels is peace of mind. Brandermill Woods staff is trained to spot subtle signs of high or low blood sugar and can coordinate with health care providers. In addition to that, there are monthly proactive care visits right on campus with specialists like the podiatrist, dermatologist, acupuncturist and massage therapist to address any potential diabetes-related complications. For those living with diabetes, these resources help to stay consistent which is vital for long-term control.
Sharing Is Caring
During National Diabetes Month in November, we share the important message that while diabetes impacts millions of lives, it’s a manageable condition. For older adults, the journey doesn’t have to be a lonely struggle. With new medical technology and a highly supportive community, managing diabetes is easier. A retirement community with the specialized meal plans, regular group exercises, built- in social support and readily available trained staff provide the optimal structure. The integrated approach at a retirement community like Brandermill Woods ensures that those living with diabetes have the tools and the support necessary to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
