Geriatric BMI Calculator
Standard BMI categories don't account for the normal body composition changes that occur with aging. This specialized calculator uses adjusted BMI ranges for adults aged 65 and older, providing more relevant health assessments for seniors.
Geriatric BMI Calculator
Enter measurements to calculate BMI for older adults
BMI for Older Adults
Body composition changes naturally as we age. After age 65, standard BMI categories may not accurately reflect health status due to:
Age-Related Body Changes:
- Muscle Loss: Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) is common in aging
- Height Changes: Vertebral compression can reduce height, affecting BMI calculation
- Fat Redistribution: Fat tends to redistribute to the abdominal area
- Bone Density: Decreases in bone mineral density affect overall body composition
Geriatric BMI Adjustment:
Research suggests that for adults over 65, the optimal BMI range may be slightly higher than for younger adults. Some studies indicate that a BMI between 25-27 in older adults is associated with lower mortality.
This calculator uses adjusted BMI ranges to better reflect health status in older adults:
- Underweight: BMI < 22
- Normal weight: BMI 22-26.9
- Overweight: BMI 27-29.9
- Obesity: BMI ≥ 30