I know it would be kinder and more gentle to say folks over 60 are gaining more weight but the truth is more are becoming obese. Data was released from the 2005-2006 of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which reports that almost three quarters (68.6 percent) of adults aged 60 and over are overweight or obese. That means their body mass index (BMI) is over 25. That number is up from two thirds (60.1 percent) of seniors from 1988 to 1994,
This weight gain is a major concern because the senior population is expected to increase to about 20 percent of the total U.S. population by 2030. It was only 12 percent of the population in 2000. The rising obesity problem in an expanding population means more medical risks because both age and obesity are risk factors for all sorts of chronic illnesses such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
These risks become even more intense when we realize that being overweight is also linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline which together with the physical decline are major factors for dependency, institutionalization and expensive health care costs.
We need to find a healthier lifestyle for seniors, one that includes weight loss.
Right now I think I'll just have you mull over the impact of this information using the simple logic formula of: If A then B and If B then C. Therefore, A = C or obesity means more costs, financial and personal. No matter what way you look at it, the concept is profound.
More on my next post about how to arrive at a healthier you.
To your success at healthy aging.
Ruthan
