What does Healthy Weight Mean for Seniors?

Blog  |  February 9, 2017

For many people, the New Year is a time to start fresh, and atone for the overindulgences of the holiday season by setting health goals. However, older adults are sometimes faced with conflicting information about the risks associated with starting new health regimes and losing weight, compared to the risks associated with being overweight or obese.

In 2014, more than 60% of Canadians over 60 were overweight or obese, and as with the wider population, the number is climbing.  While some seniors have experienced a lifetime of being overweight, many become overweight as their activity level declines and metabolism slows, and no dietary adjustments are made. At any age, being overweight or obese is associated with elevated risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Is Extra Weight Protective?

Until recently, a prevailing belief was that carrying around extra weight later in life had a protective effect on health. This is because some studies suggested that beyond age 65, life expectancy was the same, or possibly higher, among obese and overweight adults compared to those who were at normal weight, and poorest among those who were underweight.

However, these studies were not looking at quality of life, which tends to be lower in overweight and obese older adults due to physical disability and disease, and tended to exclude populations in long-term care. Overweight and obese older adults are significantly more likely to end up in long-term care than those at healthy weights. A 2012 study that accounted for these factors found that the risk of mortality related to obesity increases with age. Weight within a healthy range is associated with the highest disability-free life expectancy.

What is a Healthy Weight?

Almost all of the current science and guidance on weight is based on Body Mass Index, or BMI, which is calculated on the basis of height and weight.  However, this method is gaining increasing criticism for failing to take into account significant variations attributable to gender, body type, muscle mass and age. Furthermore, the risks associated with the BMI categories of ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ can be influenced by other factors such as fitness, ethnicity, age, and personal and family history. Currently, there is no specific BMI-based Canadian guideline for those over 65, though most science points to a BMI range of 23-30 being associated with both health and longevity among older adults.

Should I Lose Weight?

The decision to embark on any weight management strategy should be made in partnership with your health care provider. A physical examination in conjunction with an evaluation of the current impacts extra weight may be having on your health will help determine whether you will benefit from a weight management plan.

In general, the healthiest approach to weight management involves increasing physical activity, and making long-term sustainable changes to the way you approach nutrition. Following the Canada Food Guide and choosing foods with a high concentration of nutrients will help you maintain intake of health-sustaining vitamins and minerals without consuming more energy than your body is spending.

If you need support in implementing a healthier new lifestyle, Comfort Keeper’s Interactive Care Service can match a PSW to your needs, from developing grocery lists to light food preparation, to supporting participation in activities inside and outside the home. For more information about our Interactive Care Service, or any of our other support services, please contact us for a free in-home consultation.

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