How many calories per day should an average healthy middle-aged man and woman consume?

Depends.: You need to get your resting metabolism rate checked to see what your rate is. This guideline of everyone eating 2000cal has caused tremendous problems. I check resting rates and most women are between 1100-1500calories (men are 1400-1900) and in the right weight range! so customize this to get the right info especially if you have a weight problem.