Is it true that your metabolism gets slower as you get older? Is this why you get "middle-age spread"? If so, what about old women like Madonna who still look slim and muscular, or is this entirely down to her manic exercise and diet regime?

I hardly think Madonna qualifies as an "old woman" quite yet but yes, it is mainly the result of being fit and watching your weight.  Exercise and muscle mass will increase your metabolism so if you stay fit, you won't have the "middle age spread" issue that less active people get.  Your metabolism does slow with age but by eating healthy and exercising you can counteract that.

Metabolism is your enemy the older you get. It takes a lot more to get it up and running the right way once you hit 30. Madonna has a personal trainer.... Lucky girl! So no matter what her metabolism is she'll always look good.

Yes we'll all face a slowing metabolism as we get older. Plenty of water and moderate exercise will help reduce the amount by which it slows though, so stay active and it won't affect you so much.

 your metabolism will get slower as you get older, it also gets slower if you are inactive for long periods of time. there is an excellent article here that explains how you can control your metabolism

 I agree with the consensus here.  The metabolism goes through a few slowdowns as we get older, but if you modify your eating and exercise habits as it happens then it's not too bad.  I don't think there's anything wrong with not looking the way I did in my teens.  I mean, after a while, it's time to turn in the halter tops and tiny shorts anyway.

Another thing to remember when thinking of aging and metabolism is that generally our appetite also is reduced as we get older so it may pretty much balance out in the end.  Just focus on getting as healthy as you can for where you are at in your life right now and it will work out fine.

If you noticed, people who are having a hard time losing weight are those who got a good job and spend their time sitting at their desk. You'll also note that as they approach 35 they have had a lot of lifestyle changes.

My mom gained weight in that age range and she could no longer do some of the things she enjoyed doing.