Tuesday, 14th of December 2010 at 08:22:22 PMWeight loss is something that every generation cares deeply about, but the Baby Boomer generation may have a special interest in this area. The Baby Boomers are defined as the generation that sprang up immediately after World War II and with this generation beginning to advance in age, they have special concerns when it comes to losing weight. If you are a part of this wonderful generation, here are some no-nonsense weight loss tips for baby boomers.
Staying active and eating smart are two weight loss tips for baby boomers that can help reduce weight gain.
Stay Active
The same essential rules that apply to people in their 20s apply to you, too. The key to weight loss is eating a sensible, balanced diet and staying active. However, as you age, you often begin to encounter dietary restrictions that make changing your diet tough. You can, though, still help to keep the pounds off by staying active. This doesn’t mean you are expected to run marathons or lift weights, but you do want to take walks, stay active in your community, plan outings, and simply be social. It is when couch-potato-ism sets in that the weight starts piling on.
Eat Smart
When you reach your fifties and sixties, as the baby boomers now are, there is no arguing that your metabolism has slowed to a snail’s pace compared to what it was in your twenties and thirties. Thus, an important aspect of managing your weight as a baby boomer is to adjust your calorie intake to meet your slower metabolic needs. This means eating healthier foods that are lower in fats and empty calories. Also, portion control becomes even more important.
Have A Weight Loss Partner
This is another tip that applies to people of all generations. Staying active and losing weight is a lot easier when you have a partner by your side to help push you on those days when you just don’t want to get out of bed. You’ll also have someone to compare your progress with, as well as having someone to do things with. You can cook together, talk about the issues you both are having, and keep each other in good spirits. All in all, having a partner by your side will make weight loss fun.
Talk To Your Doctor
As you age, your body begins to require more specialized treatment. If you are considering undergoing a dramatically different diet or starting an exercise routine that may include high impact activities like running, make sure you speak to a doctor first. They will have a much better idea of how much you can handle and when you can handle it.
If It Looks Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is
The Internet and television have become a haven for snake oil salesmen selling pills, potions, and concoctions that do nothing other than separating you from your hard-earned money. If you see a solution being sold on television that promises weight loss with no work involved, it is a lie. Every true solution comes with work and effort.
Other Related Posts and Articles you May Find Interesting: “Weight Loss Tips that are Proven Effective”, “Designing Your Own Hunger Free Diet”, “Key to Long Term Weight Loss Success” and “Getting In Shape After 40”.
The staying active part I think is the key here. I see a lot of elderly people in my job as I am an elderly care giver and the ones who are still mobile at 80, 90, & 95 are the ones who kept active through-out their entire lives. It’s not just good enough to be active in your 20’s & 30’s. Get outside and move. Walk to the store, ride a bike, play with the grandkids, just whatever you do keep moving. In addition to weight loss and or just maintaining a healthy weight, being active helps keep your muscles and joints strong and healthy. The age old saying stands true- “If you don’t use it you loose it.” Now is the age more then ever to grab your health by the horns and take care of yourself. Trust me, you don’t want to end up in a care home earlier then you need to and if you stay healthy and active you can enjoy a much better quality of life with your family and friends long into your golden years.
Right now baby boomers are more obese than any other generation. Yet, at the the same time, it is cancer that they fear the most over any other sickness or disease. What they don’t realize is that over weight and obesity has been found to be a large risk factor for several types of cancer. Also, an obese or overweight person is more likely to develop other health issues as type 2 diabetes, fertility issues, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis and a slew of other health problems. But, it’s not for lack of trying. A Recent poll shows about 60 percent of baby boomers claim they are dieting to lose weight. They are also eating more fruits and vegetables and attempting to lower their cholesterol. It’s a good start, but that boomers need to remember it takes more than just diet changes to lose weight. It takes physical activity, as well.
I too just read that the baby boomers are becoming more obese and it’s going to put a real strain on medicare and raise costs. Past generations did not have this problem, what is going on with us? So much for 60 being the new 50. Most are worried about cancer and or alzheimers (sp?) when they really should be worried about their weight. Being obese is NOT a good recipe for good senior years. I blame the sedentary lifestyle along with fast food and processed foods. I highly doubt most are getting the 2.5 hrs a week of vigorous exercise. If people simply walked more, (well a lot more) it would help cut down the health risks a lot.