Keyword focus: BMI for older adults
BMI Guidance After Age 60
Balance bone density, muscle health, and cardiovascular risk with age-adjusted BMI insights.
Track BMI with mobility goals
Add notes about balance, grip strength, and step counts every time you recalculate BMI.
Aging changes how our bodies use and store energy. Slightly higher BMI ranges can be protective, but the focus shifts toward muscle preservation and functional strength.
What to review
- BMI between 23 and 29 can be protective against frailty in older adults.
- Resistance training maintains muscle, which keeps BMI changes meaningful.
- Pair BMI with bone density screenings and functional tests like sit-to-stand repetitions.
Quick tips
- Prioritize protein
- Target 1.0–1.2 g/kg of body weight daily, distributed evenly across meals.
- Layer strength and balance work
- Combine twice-weekly resistance training with balance drills to reduce fall risk.
Common questions
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Is a higher BMI safer for older adults?
Slightly higher BMI can buffer against illness-related weight loss, but central adiposity still raises cardiometabolic risk. Monitor waist and labs alongside BMI.
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How often should older adults check BMI?
Quarterly check-ins tied to routine medical visits work well. Increase frequency if mobility, appetite, or medications change.