Seniors face unique diabetes management challenges. For those with type 2 diabetes, age causes a decline in insulin production and an increase in glucose intolerance. Older Americans are also more likely to have complicating conditions such as retinopathy, hypertension, and kidney problems.

Other environmental and physical issues that may impact diabetes care for older Americans include:

• Economic Barriers. Seniors on a fixed income may skimp on appropriate diabetes care, medications, and proper nutrition.
  
  
• Transportation. Seniors who can no longer drive may have difficulty getting to medical appointments and keeping up with appropriate diabetes preventative care.
  
  
• Mobility. Conditions such as arthritis that are more prevalent with age can keep older adults from regular exercise. By age 75, approximately one in three men and half of all women are physically inactive.
  
  
• Isolation. Seniors may lack an adequate peer or family network for emotional and social support.

There are solutions. For those who don’t have access to public transportation due to location or physical limitations, community-sponsored senior transportation may be available at little to no charge; check with your municipality to find out more. Your local senior center may also provide transportation, as well as meal service.

If there is no senior center or senior services agency available in your community, getting a nutritionally-balanced meal delivered to your door through the Meals on Wheels program may be an option. You might also check with your local churches and other social services organizations. And if you have a registered dietitian on your diabetes care team, talk with her about low-cost food programs that are available in the area.

Even homebound seniors can benefit from the diabetes control benefits of physical activity. For those with limited mobility, chair exercises and other adaptive exercises may be an option; always check with your physician before starting a fitness program. YMCAs and community centers frequently offer exercise programs specifically geared towards older adults. Your local hospital is also a good source of information on where to find senior-focused fitness programs.

Seniors who are having difficulty paying for their diabetes care and supplies can contact the State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIP) in their area. SHIP offers assistance in understanding and benefiting from Medicare.

Learn more about financial assistance for diabetes care.

Visit the Administration on Aging Senior Services listing for more information on these and other senior programs.