• Calorie needs go down: Weight gain can be a problem as you get older, even if you never had weight problems. As you age, your metabolism goes down because of the loss of energy-burning muscle. Because you need fewer calories to maintain your ideal weight and therefore may not get enough of the important nutrients, a multivitamin supplement is a good idea. Also:
• Try boosting your metabolism by reducing fat and increasing muscle. Strength training is the best way to do this.
  
• Another way to keep from gaining weight is to eat your biggest meals early in the day when your metabolism is highest. Pure protein requires the most energy to digest, so eating lean protein (such as skinless turkey breast or fish) will give your metabolism a little boost.
  
• Choose only complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and fiber-rich foods, because your body requires more energy to break them down than the simpler carbohydrates found in highly processed grains and sugars.

Try to incorporate as many of these suggestions as you can, one at a time if need be, so you can be vigorous and healthy well into old age. You owe it to yourself!