Over 60 and its not as easy as it used to be!

sellio51

I've always dieted on and off and its not generally been a problem to lose weight BUT.....now I'm older its so much harder and dispiriting.
I hate the shape that looks back at me from the mirror but its hard when you're retired and not as active any more.
I've joined StepBet and DietBet the last couple of weeks and that's been a real help and something different to obsess about! I know I can do it but it would be nice to hear from others who identify with my situation.
Keep safe everyone.

helaurin

Hi! I'm not old enough (or financially set) to retired -but I'm 58, overweight and also doing StepBet and DietBet. I'm also doing HealthyWage and WayBetter.

dmkoenig

I think women in general have greater challenges in the way you describe, at least talking to my wife (we are both over 60). That said, a healthy diet and a commitment to regular exercise and an active lifestyle are the two keys to maintaining good health and making progress on your weight goals. My parents who are in their 90's went vegan about 10 years ago, go for walks in the morning and every afternoon either work out on their TotalGym in their garage or in their condo fitness facility. That's one of the things I learned from them - be open to trying new things and if you are persistent you can remake yourself, don't resign yourself to not attaining your goals just because you are older. No matter what, I avoid playing the age card (even when it's entirely appropriate!). Best of luck in your journey to improved health!

AnnPT77

For me, I found that retirement gave me more flexibility for enjoyable activity, though it's true that there was less built-in incidental daily life activity. I'm 64, retired for a good bit already so pretty well adjusted to it. I joined MFP at about your age (I was 59), and have been maintaining since weight loss that first year, after around 30+ years of previous obesity.

While I hear what you're saying about some things being harder, I'd say it's a plus that by our age we usually know ourselves pretty well (makes it easier for me to game my foibles to achieve my goals ), and probably have a decent handle on chipping away gradually at longer-term goals (having had to deal with other such situations in career, finances, home improvements, etc.).

Best wishes!

ReneeChantayRena

I understand it can be frustrating trying to lose weight keep healthy and enjoy your golden years.

kathsk53

I’m with you this lockdown hasn’t helped my gym closed yet to reopen and no date yet, weight seems to have stuck 1lb on 1lb off 1lb on again very disheartening, one day at a time we will get there

cugogirl2017

It does take longer to lose weight at our age I am really inspired by @dmkoenig saying we are never too old and cited the example of the parents in their 90's remarkable! Gives us all hope!

elisa123gal

I don't know if I buy into that being older makes it harder to lose weight. What I know.. is that I got burned out getting in shape...getting out of shape..and going back and forth all during my younger years. I got to a point where I was tired of doing it and felt like I truly had used up all the willpower given me for my lifetime. I also thought it would be harder because I was older..a great excuse to just not do it.

but..really not true. 2.5 years ago.... somehow my willpower of my youth came back and I lost all my weight. It was just as fast as 15 20 years ago. Now.. do I need some muscle work? Yes.. age does take its toll on muscle mass. But bottom line.. look at some of the older people on here in fantastic shape. It can be done. You just have to dig deep and tap into your youthful willpower. It is down there somewhere . Good luck finding it.

AgnesFerniot

One is as young as one feels...

nighthawk584

elisa123gal wrote: »

I don't know if I buy into that being older makes it harder to lose weight. What I know.. is that I got burned out getting in shape...getting out of shape..and going back and forth all during my younger years. I got to a point where I was tired of doing it and felt like I truly had used up all the willpower given me for my lifetime. I also thought it would be harder because I was older..a great excuse to just not do it.

but..really not true. 2.5 years ago.... somehow my willpower of my youth came back and I lost all my weight. It was just as fast as 15 20 years ago. Now.. do I need some muscle work? Yes.. age does take its toll on muscle mass. But bottom line.. look at some of the older people on here in fantastic shape. It can be done. You just have to dig deep and tap into your youthful willpower. It is down there somewhere . Good luck finding it.

I don't buy it either, and if a person thinks this way, it is just an excuse to give up when things get hard. Not coming down on the op, but it is a fact.. I barely could walk without breathing heavy when I started in April 2019 at age 54....now I am doing 20 plus miles on my mountain bike every morning and weight training. I also see many seniors in their 60s -80s out walking or jogging.

yirara

Don't make it a diet, but a slow and gradual lifestyle change. You've dieted all your life on an off? Don't do that anymore, please! Select a small weightloss goal and learn to live with that, make small changes, learn how to eat and be active, and enjoy your life.

annliz23

yirara wrote: »

Don't make it a diet, but a slow and gradual lifestyle change. You've dieted all your life on an off? Don't do that anymore, please! Select a small weightloss goal and learn to live with that, make small changes, learn how to eat and be active, and enjoy your life.

True words

bobbyorr99

I just read an article about losing weight after 60 (Im 59). The only thing that I could find that really is an age thing is that our metabolism slows down as we age. However, if we eat a healthy diet and we do exercise (both cardio and strength), we will lose weight and gain muscle. Thankfully, I do see that as I'm in the process of losing alot of weight. The important thing is to start and understand this is a lifestyle change that will contribute to having a better life as we age.

annliz23

I think it's about being constant accepting the ups and downs as we get older we have to adapt for example this week no exercises as my back and knees hurt but next week I will be back to it. Since adding friends on here it has motivated me to keep going otherwise I would have given up. Good luck

AgnesFerniot

down 2.5 #.

ReneeChantayRena

Yeah I know what you mean. I didn’t workout Yesterday. I had to wash some clothes, mop the kitchen floor and then I went on line to look at a few meal videos. I was back on track today. I don’t want to skip too many days because your muscles tend to get use to you flexing them. I am past the roughest part now when I crunch I just feel a burn but after the second set of 10 reps. I can see an indentation around my waste forming. I didn’t have waste. Lol!

annliz23

I have also found yoga and pilates have helped me get stronger and helps my mobility (hip and back problems) as I get older.

AgnesFerniot

Goal wt for last day of Jy is 205.
Here goes nothing.

IWTBF67

I’m 68 and determined more than ever to lose. Pre diabetes and high cholesterol. Would like friends for support!