Senior obesity is a wholly different animal from childhood or even adult obesity. In both of those demographics, using a simple Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator can answer the question, “Is this person obese?” But that’s not the case for seniors. Some seniors start to lose height as they age, and that can change their BMI number despite not gaining any fat. Or sometimes the changes that happen as a person ages can make amount of fat versus muscle hard to measure.

Additionally, there has been some controversy about whether or not some extra weight on the elderly can be beneficial. Some padding on people is necessary to protect bones and joints.

Whichever camp you take to, what important is keeping seniors active and on a healthy diet. No one can argue that sitting around each day and consuming unhealthy foods is a good idea, no matter one’s age. Firstly, it’s important for the senior or caregiver to discuss the idea of adding activity to the routine. This can be as simple as a half-hour walk every day.

But, again, that’s only half the battle. Diet is important as well. Appetites in seniors can be a fickle beast. Sometimes it can seem that the only thing that motivates an elder to eat is the cookies they know are coming for dessert. But often changes can be made to the menu items to encourage healthy eating. Are vegetables something they don’t like to eat? Is there a reason beyond taste, like they’re proving too tough to chew? It may be awkward, but ask those tough questions until there are at least a few menu items that are both appealing and healthful.