Health tracking basics
Understanding Vital Health Metrics for Seniors
Learn what important vital signs mean and how they support informed conversations with your care team.
Regular monitoring can help seniors and caregivers track changes over time and understand when it may be worth following up with a clinician.
Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs and recommended vital ranges.
Browse vital metrics
Each guide explains what the number measures, what a common target range looks like, and what questions to discuss with a clinician.
BMI
Target Range18.5-24.9
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Basal Metabolic Rate
Target Range1,696 calories (men)1,410 calories (women)
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Blood Pressure
Target Range120/80
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Blood Sugar
Target RangeNormal: 4-5.9%Pre-diabetes: 6-6.4%Diabetes: >6.5%
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Calcium
Target Range1,200 mg/day
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Cholesterol
Target Range<200
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Fluids
Target Range13 cups (104 oz.) for men9 cups (72 oz.) for women
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Protein
Target Range0.017-0.019 oz. per lb. of body weight
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Pulse Rate
Target Range60-100 bpm
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Steps
Target Range6000 steps/day
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Vitamin D
Target Range600 (<70 years old)800 (70+ years old)
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Waist Circumference
Target Range< half your height
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Talk to your doctor
Regular monitoring of vital health metrics can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your health.