As you age, your body and mind changes, and so does what you need to stay healthy. Regular physicals, dental check-ups, medications, eye exams – the list of a senior’s health needs goes on.

It can certainly feel overwhelming at times, but the older we get, the more important it is that we are diligent in making sure we stay on top of our overall health and that we’re vigilant in being as active as possible.

Making your health, both mentally and physically, a top priority is key to living the happiest and longest life possible.

Health Tip : Healthy Weight

It all begins with developing healthy habits that will increase longevity and help you feel and look as good as you possibly can.

One thing to keep in mind is your overall weight.  Seniors often struggle with being underweight which is typically a result of not eating enough nutrient-dense foods. If this is the case, you’ll want to re-evaluate your diet and create a plan that includes the important nutrients that may be currently missing.

On the other hand, obviously being overweight is equally as unhealthy.  If you struggle with keeping your weight down, consider talking to a dietitian that specializes in creating well-balanced meal plans for seniors.

What is a healthy weight for you?

There are two standard measures used when determining a healthy weight.  This includes:

Determining your BMI (Body mass index). This takes into account your weight and height.  A BMI score of 18.5-24.9 is typically indicative of a healthy diet and is ideal for seniors.

Measuring your waist and hips. This will give you a good idea as to whether you’re carrying a lot of extra weight. 

A circumference of more than 35 inches in women or 40 inches in men can mean that you’re a higher risk of health problems including diabetes so you want to keep an eye on this.