![](\"https:\/\/habemusasado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-9-feb-2026-04_50_00-p.m.png\")
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For decades it was repeated that 120\/80 mmHg<\/strong> was the “ideal” blood pressure for everyone. However, in people over 65 years of age, this reference can be misleading and even risky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on what Thomas Weber<\/strong> explained, this article clarifies why the classic value is not always the most appropriate in old age and which is the range that offers the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the years, the arteries lose elasticity<\/strong>. Instead of behaving like flexible conduits, they become more rigid, something comparable to old pipes<\/strong>. This stiffness changes the way blood circulates and how it reaches vital organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In older adults, the brain and kidneys<\/strong> need a slightly higher perfusion pressure<\/strong> to receive sufficient blood flow. If the pressure is reduced too much trying to reach 120\/80, not enough blood may reach these organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining very low figures in older people can cause relevant adverse effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These problems are not uncommon and explain why many specialists today prioritize security and functionality<\/strong> over a “perfect” manual number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A large study published in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/strong> looked at outcomes in older adults and found something key:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older people with blood pressure between 130 and 145 mmHg<\/strong> (systolic) had a better overall prognosis<\/strong> than those with lower numbers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This does not mean that higher values are desirable for everyone, but that forcing pressures that are too low<\/strong> in old age does not always bring benefits<\/strong> and can increase risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The confusion arises because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each older person has a different medical history, and the optimal blood pressure should be assessed on an individual basis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Weber recommends a simple test to detect dangerous pressure drops when standing up, known as the Schelllong test<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the pressure drops sharply or dizziness appears, it may be orthostatic hypotension<\/strong>, a common condition in older adults that requires medical evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In older people, it’s not about chasing a perfect number<\/strong>, but about maintaining a pressure that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, it is now considered that a moderately higher range may be safer and more beneficial<\/strong> than the classic 120\/80 in many older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical consultation. Any adjustment of medication or pressure targets should always be made with a healthcare professional<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For decades it was repeated that 120\/80 mmHg was the “ideal” blood pressure for everyone. However, in people over 65 years of age, this reference can be misleading and even […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy the “120\/80” Isn’t Always Ideal After 65<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The risks of too low blood pressure in old age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What range shows the best prognosis based on the evidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why there’s so much confusion about ideal pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Schelllong test: a simple tool to do at home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A more realistic look at blood pressure in old age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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