Weight Loss for Older Women  

(Jayne Freeland - Aug 2009)

Older women? When I’m older, please don’t call me an “older” woman. Okay? However, I wanted you to be able to find this article, and either older or elderly would be the logical choice if you are exploring weight loss options in your later years. We could dispense with the title and call “older women” what they deserve to be called: “Devine Divas” 

It’s not so bad getting older these days. The Baby Boomer generation has definitely set the stage for women to age as they please rather than submitting to “house dresses,” short, permed blue hair and orthopaedic shoes. Women in their 50s, 60s and older are enjoying life with better health than previous generations and more gusto than they had in their 20s. And why not?  

The only thing preventing you from not aging in this fashion is to neglect your health. Obesity contributes to an enormous amount of debilitating and deadly diseases. It is second only to smoking in terms of controllable risk factors for diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It slows us down. It makes us feel lousy. It causes joint problems and enormous strain on our bodies.  

Weight loss for older women may not be quite as simple as it was when you were in your 20s, but it is possible. If you understand what happens as we get older that causes us to gain weight more easily, then you can combat the problems and lose weight. 

For one, as we age our caloric requirements decrease. When you calculate your daily requirements, you enter your age. We simply do not need as much to eat when we get older. Retraining yourself to eat appropriate amounts is best accomplished by grazing throughout the day on small portions of healthful foods rather than eating three normal (or in most cases, larger than normal) meals.  

When you do this, you boost your metabolism. This also aids in weight loss for older women because metabolism naturally slows as we get older. Eating healthful foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains rather than overly processed foods also boosts metabolism. You will feel more satisfied on complex carbohydrates such as quinoa and other whole grains, which will also help you control your appetite. 

Inactivity as we age is also another cause of gaining weight. Sure, you might have a few aches and pains that prevent you from playing sports the way you once did, but there are still plenty of exercises that can help you lose weight yet not put undue stress on your body. Yoga is a wonderful, gentle form of exercise that also burns calories and helps strengthen and tone your body, which is essential for maintaining healthy, strong bones. Swimming is another fantastic form of exercise that doesn’t stress your joints. Skip the cart when you golf and hire a handsome caddy to carry your bag! 

You’ve learned a lot over the years which has helped you become the amazing woman you are today; however, some of what is ingrained in your mind may not have a positive influence on your weight loss efforts. You may have a negative body image after years of listening to those around you. You might regard “dieting” as being a “have-to” rather than a “want-to.” Learning how to reprogram your mind to make the right choices on your own accord is essential for weight loss. 

 
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