Is BMI really higher for older women

MapDancer

I've read several articles, including the new one today on MFP "5 Ways to Cope with a Slowing Metabolism", that indicate a "having a protective amount of fat is a good thing, especially when we hit an older age, which is why adults aged 65 and older are advised to maintain a BMI between 25 to 27, instead of the 18.5 to 24.9 recommendation for the rest of us."

I'm not 65 yet, only 61, 5'2" and am currently 133 lbs. I've lost 45 lbs since Nov.2013. My BMI is now 24.3. I was aiming for 128-130. I'm feeling good about my shape now, but not quite ready to celebrate yet...

Are other 60+ aiming for the higher end of BMI?

PAV8888

There has been some recent research that indicates that longevity may be slightly higher with a BMI in the marginally overweight category.

Pending someone "in the field" setting things straight, I seem to recall possible reasons such as: higher BMI may be indicative of higher muscle mass and it is actually muscle mass than predicts longevity as opposed to BMI; or, having a larger fat reserve allows people to better cope with health problems that can result in sudden weight loss.

I am not so sure that the higher BMI target is considered an accepted recommendation.

Your goal seems to be a reasonable one. At your goal you would have a BMI lower than 83% to 85% of women your age

healthygreek

I'm 61 and 5'2" at 128 at the moment (bmi-23.4). I've been as low as 122. I'd like to get down to 120 but at the same time I'm fine here if that proves too difficult.
I guess I'd just be happy in the normal bmi category where I feel healthiest and happiest as well as a weight range that's sustainable for me and my lifestyle.

WalkingAlong

Maybe consider your risk level for osteoporosis. This suggests that's the reason for possibly weighing a bit more after age 65.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007196.htm

MapDancer

Thanks for the input. It's also been interesting to hear the comments from friends that I look younger now, especially from those who have known me for 40 years. I am where I was in my 30's and only tipped into obese in my 50's. I guess that we tend to see heavier as older because of that tendency.