1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. For women over 65, BMI ranges may be interpreted differently to account for age-related changes in body composition.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

3. Importance of BMI for Older Women

Details: For women over 65, a slightly higher BMI (23-27) may be healthier than standard adult ranges, as very low BMI can indicate muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies common in aging.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For best results, measure in the morning before eating and after using the bathroom.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a healthy BMI for women over 65?
A: 23-27 is generally considered healthy, compared to 18.5-25 for younger adults.

Q2: Why are BMI ranges different for older women?
A: Aging changes body composition (more fat, less muscle), and slightly higher weight may protect against osteoporosis and provide energy reserves.

Q3: Are there limitations to BMI for seniors?
A: Yes, it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and may not account for height loss from spinal compression.

Q4: Should I worry if my BMI is slightly overweight?
A: Not necessarily - discuss with your doctor as some studies show slightly higher BMI may be protective in older age.

Q5: What other measurements are important?
A: Waist circumference, muscle mass, and overall health indicators are also important for assessing health in older women.