what is the ideal BMI for someone67 yrs old and 5'.5" tall?

[1600]

would like to know what my goal should be as far as BMI so i can work toward that . I am at the top of the normal scale and woudl like to be in the middle. for exercise i walk and take stretching/yoga class twice a week at the gym. can any one give me some advice?

signed 1600

[Dominique]

BMI is only a general indicator. Since you're within the normal range, you don't need to worry too much about it. BMI is a function of height and weight: since you can't increase your height (no matter how you stretch and do yoga!), the only way you can bring it down is by losing weight. What you want to avoid, especially at your age and if you are a woman, is losing lean mass (muscles). This is because it will be extra hard to regain lost muscle mass at your age. Overall fitness, being flexible and strong is more important than losing a few pounds. Walking, stretching and yoga sound like smart things to do in your situation. You may want to add some strength training to it. Browse through posts by @JenniLacey, she has good advice about this.

Also see:

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html

[gerrymcd]

There is little value in saying 'you should aim for a BMI of x'.  The BMI calculation is badly flawed, to the point that super fit people often end up with a BMI that would suggest they are obese.  

If you are a member of a gym or health club you can get a personal trainer to measure your bodies ratio of fat to lean muscle using calipers (they measure how much flash the calpers can 'pinch' on your back, arms, waist, thighs -- its painless and only takes a couple of minutes).