Obesity can lead to painful skin conditions. Lower cost of living. This also results in more time to do what you would like. Less burden on caregivers.

A blunt fact of life: It is harder for caregivers to move and care for obese patients, especially during senility. Independence and aging at home can be maintained longer if you are in better health and that includes weight loss.

Lower rates of depression. Losing weight can help overcome that, a vital need when senior depression rates are already tragically high.

Start with walking. There is conflict over whether walking is as good for you as running, but everyone agrees walking regularly at even a moderate pace is extremely healthy. Regular exercise. If you start feeling better, regular exercise can be extremely valuable.

There are classes all over the area for aging adults, including senior group fitness classes for people who want structure and companionship.

This is especially important for older adults who are nervous about going to a gym. Portion control. You need about fewer calories a day every decade of your life, generally. Lowering portions balances your intake with reduced activity.

Eat the right foods. Part of losing weight is gaining muscle for strength and balance. But you need the energy to do so and to continue exercising. Reducing fatty foods while increasing protein is a way to eat healthy while living a healthy lifestyle. This means adopting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats into your everyday diet.

That is unhealthy and is what leads to yo-yo diets. Keep eating nutritiously. A key to losing weight and keeping it off is adopting healthy eating as a lifestyle. We live in a great time for healthy eating, as there are more and more healthy options in restaurants and grocery stores.

Still, it can be very easy to eat unhealthily, so it is a choice every individual must make. Institute on Aging. Search Search. Enrichment Center at the Presidio Adult Day Program for Individuals Living with Dementia.

If this happens, people need to see their primary care provider, because it could be an early warning sign of previously undiagnosed health problems that could hasten death, Dr.

Hussain says. When researchers looked at some common causes of death among older adults, they found that weight loss was associated with increased mortality from both cardiovascular disease and cancer.

For example, weight loss of at least 10 percent was associated with a more than tripled risk of death from cancer among men and an almost tripled risk for women. And weight loss of at least 10 percent was also linked to a more than tripled risk of death from cardiovascular disease among men and an almost double risk for women.

One limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data on why people lost weight, although the study team did note that weight loss surgery — the main cause of this magnitude of weight loss for younger individuals — is rarely done for older adults. Another drawback of the study is that researchers lacked data on any changes in physical activity levels that might impact both body weight and overall health during the study period, the researchers noted.

Unexplained weight loss could be a sign of malnutrition, which can lead to physical weakness, difficulty with mobility, fatigue, and increased risk of infection and chronic illness, Dr.

Joseph says. It can also be a sign of frailty, a syndrome caused by age-associated depletion of physiological reserves, leading to an increased risk of falls, disability, and death due to increased susceptibility to stressors , Joseph adds.

Weight loss can also lead to loss of muscle mass, which reduces body strength and increases frailty among older adults, Joseph says.

In the absence of an underlying problem, their provider may recommend a monitoring approach, in addition to a special diet.

The provider may refer them to a dietitian for help to increase calorie intake, or recommend that food is flavored to make it more appealing to eat. While unintentional weight loss is common among older adults, there are steps to take to prevent weight loss and maintain a healthy weight through aging.

Schedule an appointment today and prioritize your health. Exact matches only. Search in title. Search in content. Search in excerpt.

MyChart Bill Pay. Services Providers Locations About You Careers Appointments. Unexplained Weight Loss in Seniors. June 27, pm. Unexplained Weight Loss: What is It? Unintentional weight loss means dropping weight without doing so deliberately.

Common Causes of Sudden Weight Loss. Physiological Problems A physical examination is a crucial part of diagnosing unhealthy weight loss. Side Effects of Medication Medication side effects can cause weight loss in elderly adults. An underlying condition such as a mood disorder may cause rapid weight loss and worsen issues.

Social Concerns Compared to the three issues above, social problems can be more challenging to detect. Other Concerns Financial constraints. Are they able to afford the foods, order them, and prepare healthy meals?

Who does the shopping? Who does the cooking? Pain or discomfort. Is there any pain when trying to swallow or chew? Nausea, vomiting, or feeling full quickly?

Abdominal pain?

As a result, people with limited mobility lose more muscle mass than fat. Medication side effects can cause weight loss in elderly adults.

Psychological Issues. Older adults who suffer from depression can unintentionally lose weight. Depression makes people feel fatigued, therefore unable to care for themselves properly.

It is crucial to monitor depression-related factors, such as grieving, losing independence, and experiencing chronic pain that may serve as indicators of depression.

Compared to the three issues above, social problems can be more challenging to detect. Social conditions are hard to diagnose due partly to their subtle nature and close friends and family members might not see the issues for what they are.

A major contributing factor to weight loss is social isolation, where people lose track of their healthy habits due to depression and a lack of available social contacts to compare life experiences with.

A caregiver serves as an essential point of contact for prevention. But the caregiver must be qualified, and if they are not professionals, they must have the time to support the patient. Identifying the underlying cause of unexplained weight loss is the first step in treating it.

Please contact your provider to schedule a complete physical exam. Additional diagnostic testing may be ordered or your provider may refer you to a specialist. If the cause of the weight loss is determined, and the underlying condition treated, body mass can return.

In the absence of an underlying problem, their provider may recommend a monitoring approach, in addition to a special diet. The provider may refer them to a dietitian for help to increase calorie intake, or recommend that food is flavored to make it more appealing to eat.

While unintentional weight loss is common among older adults, there are steps to take to prevent weight loss and maintain a healthy weight through aging. Schedule an appointment today and prioritize your health. Exact matches only. Search in title.

Search in content. Search in excerpt. MyChart Bill Pay. Services Providers Locations About You Careers Appointments. Unexplained Weight Loss in Seniors. June 27, pm.

Air Force, the U. Army, the U. Navy, the U. military at large, the U. Department of Defense, or the U. Nicholson BD, Hamilton W, O'Sullivan J, et al. Weight loss as a predictor of cancer in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Gen Pract.

Bosch X, Monclús E, Escoda O, et al. Unintentional weight loss: clinical characteristics and outcomes in a prospective cohort of patients. PLoS One. Marton KI, Sox HC, Krupp JR. Involuntary weight loss: diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Ann Intern Med. Evans WJ, Morley JE, Argilés J, et al. Cachexia: a new definition. Clin Nutr. Atalayer D, Astbury NM.

Anorexia of aging and gut hormones. Aging Dis. Mondello P, Mian M, Aloisi C, et al. Cancer cachexia syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and new therapeutic options. Nutr Cancer. Le Thuc O, Stobbe K, Cansell C, et al. Hypothalamic inflammation and energy balance disruptions: spotlight on chemokines.

Front Endocrinol Lausanne. Wallace JI, Schwartz RS. Epidemiology of weight loss in humans with special reference to wasting in the elderly. Int J Cardiol. National Cancer Institute.

Age and cancer risk. Updated March 5, Accessed April 12, Bulut EA, Khoury R, Lee H, et al. Eating disturbances in the elderly: a geriatric-psychiatric perspective.

Nutr Healthy Aging. McMinn J, Steel C, Bowman A. Investigation and management of unintentional weight loss in older adults. Lankisch P, Gerzmann M, Gerzmann JF, et al. Unintentional weight loss: diagnosis and prognosis. The first prospective follow-up study from a secondary referral centre.

J Intern Med. Metalidis C, Knockaert DC, Bobbaers H, et al. Involuntary weight loss. Does a negative baseline evaluation provide adequate reassurance?.

Eur J Intern Med. Rabinovitz M, Pitlik SD, Leifer M, et al. Unintentional weight loss. A retrospective analysis of cases. Arch Intern Med. Involuntary weight loss in elderly outpatients: recognition, etiologies, and treatment. Clin Geriatr Med. Hernández JL, Riancho JA, Matorras P, et al.

Clinical evaluation for cancer in patients with involuntary weight loss without specific symptoms. Am J Med. Alibhai SMH, Greenwood C, Payette H. An approach to the management of unintentional weight loss in elderly people.

Bilbao-Garay J, Barba R, Losa-García JE, et al. Assessing clinical probability of organic disease in patients with involuntary weight loss: a simple score. Thompson MP, Morris LK. Unexplained weight loss in the ambulatory elderly.

J Am Geriatr Soc. Stajkovic S, Aitken EM, Holroyd-Leduc J. Unintentional weight loss in older adults [published correction appears in CMAJ. Levitt A, O'Neil J. Older adults with unintended weight loss: the role of appetite stimulants. Home Healthc Now. Tatum PE III, Talebreza S, Ross JS.

Geriatric assessment: an office-based approach. Am Fam Physician. Join us this month as we honor the rich history, contributions, and achievements of black individuals. At Institute on Aging, we believe in fostering a community that embraces diversity and celebrates the invaluable impact of every individual.

BlackHistoryMonth IOACommunity InclusionMatters. Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube. Search Close this search box. Losing Weight After Healthy Diet and Exercise Tips for Aging Adults. What Are the Health Benefits of Losing Weight After 70?

Some of the health benefits of losing weight after 70 include: Increased mobility. More movement means less reliance on others, which means more independence. Lower chances of heart attack or stroke. Heart and circulation troubles are a leading killer of older adults.

You can lower the risk of both by losing weight. Lower risk of diabetes. Lower risk of inflammation. Obesity can lead to painful skin conditions. Lower cost of living.

This also results in more time to do what you would like. Less burden on caregivers. A blunt fact of life: It is harder for caregivers to move and care for obese patients, especially during senility. Independence and aging at home can be maintained longer if you are in better health and that includes weight loss.

Lower rates of depression. Losing weight can help overcome that, a vital need when senior depression rates are already tragically high. Start with walking. There is conflict over whether walking is as good for you as running, but everyone agrees walking regularly at even a moderate pace is extremely healthy.

Regular exercise. If you start feeling better, regular exercise can be extremely valuable. There are classes all over the area for aging adults, including senior group fitness classes for people who want structure and companionship.

This is especially important for older adults who are nervous about going to a gym. Portion control. You need about fewer calories a day every decade of your life, generally.

This can lead to depression and can cause people to drift out of healthy habits without available points of comparison to help them recognize that there is a problem. A caregiver can be an important touchpoint to help prevent this from happening — but it is important to make sure that the caregiver is qualified and, if it is not a professional, has the time to dedicate to supporting the patient's health.

Financial constraints are another potential problem area. If someone can not afford to eat properly, they will naturally begin to lose weight as they either eat less during each meal or cut out certain meals entirely. The methods for treating unintentional weight loss will usually depend on the reason someone is losing the weight in the first place.

Physiological issues can often be treated by a doctor through medications that can improve aspects of the overall health that were contributing to their loss of weight.

Of course, those very same medications can cause problems of their own. If that turns out to be the case, patients should report it to their doctors immediately and find out whether or not there are comparable alternatives available that might be more suitable. As for social and psychological issues, one of the best things you can provide for your loved one is support.

Staying involved in their lives and helping them retain confidence and independence can go a long way toward staving off isolation, depression, and other conditions that can lead to unhealthy weight loss.

Monitoring food intake is also a good idea. This will help to ensure that your loved ones are getting everything they need — and if they are not, having a regimented meal plan in place can help identify deviations that uncover potential problems.

If you are not able to manage treatment all on your own, you can consider professional support, either through a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a home health care service.

Regular contact with a medical professional is one of the best ways to make sure your loved one is in good health. Keystone Health is the foremost provider of home health care services in the greater Boise area.

If you, a friend, or a family member is experiencing unexpected or unintentional weight loss, one of our skilled professionals can guide you through this stage of your health care journey so that you can prevent negative outcomes and restore your quality of life.

Connect with us today through our New Patient Process to get started. Table of Contents. Table of Contents Potential Causes of Unintentional Weight Loss in Seniors 1. Physiological Issues 2. Psychological Issues 3. Medication Issues 4. Social Issues Treatment for Unexplained Weight Loss Conclusion.

Home Health Home Health Care FAQ Medical House Call Benefits How to Prepare for In-Home Care Home Health Care vs.

Nursing Homes Health Services for Homebound Adults What Does Palliative Care at Home Include? Care Management Primary Geriatric Care Hospice vs. Palliative Care What Is Transitional Care Management?

Boise Eagle Meridian. Learn about ways to manage stress. One way to lose more weight is to cook using healthy ingredients. For example, rather than opting for processed foods, a person may choose whole grains. Some studies suggest that eating whole grains can significantly reduce overall energy intake and body weight in adults with overweight.

Learn more about the health benefits of whole grains. A lack of motivation may prevent a person from losing weight after the age of 50 years, but hiring a personal trainer may help. Personal trainers can keep people accountable and also advise on the best methods to lose weight.

However, hiring a personal trainer can also be expensive. If this is not an option, try to find a coach who posts videos on YouTube or another video site and follow those instead. Some research suggests that gentle forms of exercise can help a person lose weight.

Low-impact exercises — such as tai chi , yoga, and Pilates — may benefit those who want to lose weight but who are unable to participate in higher-impact exercise.

Learn more about yoga and weight loss. Eating mindfully can be an impactful method for weight loss. Often, people eat while doing other things.

Whether eating while working at the desk or watching television at mealtimes, concentrating on something else while eating can cause a person to overeat.

This is because they are less likely to concentrate on how they are feeling and may continue to eat after they feel full. This suggests that mindful eating may be beneficial for weight loss or management by helping a person recognize when they feel full.

Consuming carbonated sugary drinks such as soda, or even some fruit juices, can mean that a person is drinking a lot more sugar than they may be aware of.

This can make it difficult to lose weight. It may be difficult to know what goes into a meal if people are eating out. This is because restaurant dishes may contain hidden ingredients and extra fats and sugars that people do not account for.

Staying in and cooking more food at home means that a person can be sure of what goes into their meals and, therefore, their body. When a person does eat out, they may benefit from avoiding dishes that are typically higher in calories, such as battered or deep-fried foods.

Ordering just one course and choosing smaller portions may also help. If a person is still finding it difficult to lose weight after the age of 50 years, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional for a checkup. A doctor can order tests to rule out any underlying conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or any issues with the thyroid.

Although it can be more difficult to lose weight after a person reaches 50 years of age, there are many lifestyle changes that they can make to help them reach and maintain a moderate weight.

These include cooking more meals at home, cutting down on sugary drinks and snacks, and getting more physical activity. These can include some medical conditions that cause fluid retention and certain medications. Find out more and use our tools to get a better idea of weight….

Losing weight effectively and avoiding weight regain involves a number of factors. Learn how to lose weight here. Many people wish to lose weight but find that trying one diet after another does not seem to work.

Should they eat less food? Eat different food…. Researchers say bariatric surgery can help with weight loss, but it can also help improve cognitive functions including memory.

Researchers say running can help with weight loss but only in the short term. This form of exercise does have other health benefits from maintaining…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to lose weight after Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. Losing weight after 50 Ways to lose weight after 50 Summary Maintaining a moderate weight can be harder as people get older.

Why is it harder to lose weight after 50? Ways to lose weight after How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried?

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