(NaturalHealth365)  Researchers from the University of California San Diego have found that maintaining a stable weight is key for older women who want to reach their 90^th birthday.

A study published in August 2023 found that women who are 60 or older and maintain a stable weight may double their chances of reaching 90 or even 100 years of age.  This exceptional longevity mainly depends on avoiding dramatic or substantial weight gain or loss and unintentionally losing weight.

Unintentional weight loss shortens life span, new study finds

This large study involved 54,437 women aged 61 to 81 and postmenopausal at the time they enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative.  That study collected information on the women, including health issues like cancer and heart disease.  It also collected data on other information, including the women’s weight, smoking status, and alcohol consumption.  The researchers examined the women’s long-term and short-term weight changes and noted their age, specifically looking at the 3-year and 10-year marks.

The women were categorized into three groups based on their weight changes:

1. Stable weight:  This group included women who experienced no change in weight or had a weight change of less than 5% from their starting weight.
2. Weight gain:  Women in this group had an increase in weight by 5% or more during the study period.
3. Weight loss:  This category included women who experienced a decrease in weight by 5% or more during the study period.

The analysis of the data revealed some significant findings:

Women who experienced unintentional weight loss were 51% less likely to reach 90.  This suggests that unintentional weight loss in postmenopausal women may be associated with a decreased likelihood of living to 90 years of age.

Conversely, women who experienced an increase in weight by at least 5% were also less likely to live to 90 years of age.  This implies that substantial weight gain in this population may have a negative impact on longevity.

Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of maintaining a stable weight, as both significant weight loss and significant weight gain were associated with reduced odds of reaching the age of 90 in this group of postmenopausal women.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight?

Older women who are relatively healthy may live longer by maintaining their weight as opposed to losing and gaining weight over and over.  However, the emphasis is on a healthy weight, and that might look different for different people.  Additionally, if a woman is overweight and at risk for obesity-related conditions like diabetes and heart disease, she will likely benefit from losing some weight to decrease those risks.

Each woman needs to look at her overall health goals and use them as a basis for forming her weight goals.  From there, she can find her ideal weight and keep it steady for optimal health and longevity.  This could also mean that weight loss does not necessarily help some women live longer.

Pounds in check: A blueprint for maintaining a steady weight

Women who want to reach their individual healthy weight and live longer may benefit from these lifestyle recommendations.

Stay active:  Older women should engage in both weight-bearing exercises and activities that increase their heart rate and keep it up.  Walking is a perfect example of “weight-bearing” activity.  In addition, experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.

Make healthy food choices:  Fresh organic vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, sprouts, herbs, spices, wild caught fish and 100% grass fed meats can all be part of a healthy diet.  Naturally, portion sizes matter, as well.  Many holistic healthcare providers will suggest that you fill up your plate with vegetables first and treating your meat as more of a side dish.  Simply put, load up on your veggies!

Learn how to manage stress:  Chronic stress will rob you of precious years if left unchecked.  Find ways to manage your stress with relaxation, meditation, or even spending time with a friend or family member regularly.  And if you feel like you can’t get your head above water, seek help from a mental health professional.

Living longer may mean that you need to adjust your ideas of just what healthy is.  Talk to your holistic doctor or health coach and make your own plan to attain exceptional longevity.

Sources in this article include:

Academic.oup.com
Medicalnewstoday.com
WHI.org