Hello everyone, As I read through these posts, I go back to when I started dieting 60 years ago. I am 75 still over weight, had both my knees replaced and still want to loose weight. Just seen a post on Facebook were an 80 year old woman is the oldest body builder and she didn't start till in her late 50's. I just hate to a passion, any, weight loss clubs, been there done that and think some are so patronizing they need a health warning. My reason for joining this NHS site is to find if there is anyone OUT THERE in my position? I would like to do weight bearing exercises by not putting my legs/knees under any pressure, so, body/arms etc. Also, I have tried reducing my calorie intake, and I can only loose weight on 800 calories a day anyone have any idea what would be the least calorie intake for a very mature person to survive on??? Over to you guys. Thank you for reading this. xx
Old age codger asking for advice. - Weight Loss Support
Old age codger asking for advice.
Hi Archaeology,
Welcome to the Weight Loss NHS forum. If you would like to read our Welcome Newbie post, it is in the Pinned posts area (see the top right-hand-side of the homepage).
We have people of various ages in the forum, and I am sure that people will appreciate your post, and disclose their ages if they wish - I am 50 years of age, and my knowledge of nutrition is that of a lay person who enjoys reading about health issues. I have lost weight successfully using the NHS 12 week plan, and I would recommend having a look at that plan - as you can put your personal details into the NHS BMI calculator and it will give you a recommended range of calories to eat within, which might be interesting to see what range you are advised to have. I know you wish to eat a very low calorie diet, and I don't feel able to respond helpfully to that particular query, but I will let you know if I come across anything useful.
There is a good page of resources in the NHS Choices website for Women aged 60 plus, and so you might want to start having a look there, as there are numerous pages you can access from that first page:
nhs.uk/LiveWell/women60-plu...
I am sure others will respond to your post with suggestions and helpful comments, and I would like to wish you a great week.
Lowcal 
Hello! Coming here is a good start.
I am the same as you in that I didn't want to join any clubs or groups or anything like that. Having this community is good for that.
Walking is a good way or starting exercise and also swimming. Less pressure on joints and you can gradually build it up.
800 calories really isn't a lot, the minimum recommended for a healthy lifestyle is 1200 so its advisable to aim for that along with exercise otherwise it will not do your body any good.
Thank you Osiris for your reply. Yes I know walking is good for me, but, I am limited to how far (and on what type of terrain) I can walk. I love swimming and was a very good swimmer before I had my knees done, but, its either confidence or just lack of movement I cannot swim for any distance.
I have tried 1,200 but still cannot loose weight on this amount.
Hello
I was in a similar position to you and have slowly lost weight and built up my fitness 😊 I walk (initially with two sticks, now mostly a ski pole) and also have an exercise bike. Like you, I reduced calories more and more, and never believed I would lose on 1200-1400 but I am, albeit very slowly. I try to focus on the process, eat foods I enjoy, take pleasure from walking outside in the sunshine, and don't think of it as a diet but a permanent healthy life style 😊
Good luck
Swimming is really good, I have arthritic knees (one replacement) and swimming twice a week for 30 minuites keeps me mobile as you can do more movements in the water i do breast stroke arms and pedaling legs which is comfortable and energetic. I also do a weekly daytime aquarobics class which is also great for mobility.
Hi archaeology , welcome! I agree with Hidden , weight training could really help. At my local gym, which is amazing I have to admit, they have excellent trainers who are all qualified to work with people with injuries and have an amazing over 60's group with members into their 90's. They do some amazing work. Good luck!
Thank you for your reply. You say your gym is it a private one or one run by the Local Authority. Private gyms are just too expensive.
Morning archaeology . Yes, mine is a private one. I had a lot of injuries and trying other gyms or exercise classes and injuring myself further I thought the time had come to focus on my heath rather than spending less but being in pain and sometimes almost immobile 
It works for me, it's tight money wise but I've made other sacrifices to allow it. But that me and I have some weird problems. You could certainly ask what qualifications your local gym trainers have and about the rehabilitation work they've done so far and maybe even speak to some of their clients. Or, maybe your GP could refer you to an NHS physio and they could work with you to develop an exercise routine you could put into place at home or the local gym. The NHS physios wont be a long-term thing and it may take a while to get an appointment but their knowledge and expertise is fabulous and would be a great way to start if this is something you are interested in. Good luck.
You can self- refer to an NHS Physio too 😊 Very knowledgeable too 😊
That's really useful, thanks IndigoBlue61
Hi there!
Just a thought, but have you had your thyroid checked out? That could be the reason for your struggle to lose weight on more than 800 calories
Another good suggestion, 800 is ver low 😕
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