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Anthropometric and nutritional assessment in Italian elderly subjects
B Lancia1, M Tedesco, G Sergio
1First Researcher at the Istituto Nazionale della Nutrizione, Rome, Italy.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Overweight and obesity are prevalent in older adults, with body mass index and diastolic blood pressure declining with age. Dietary calcium intake was low, though other nutrient intakes were adequate.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging populations worldwide face increased risks of chronic diseases.
- Anthropometric measurements and dietary habits are crucial indicators of health in older adults.
- Understanding these factors is vital for developing targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess body mass index (BMI) and its relationship with blood pressure in individuals aged 60 and over.
- To investigate sex and age-related differences in BMI and blood pressure.
- To evaluate the dietary intake of macronutrients, calcium, iron, and vitamins in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- An anthropometric study involving 486 non-institutionalized subjects aged 60+.
- Subjects were categorized into three age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80+).
- A dietary assessment using a 24-hour recall method was conducted on a subsample of 90 individuals.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed (74%), with higher rates in females.
- Both BMI and diastolic blood pressure showed a decreasing trend with age and were significantly correlated.
- Calcium intake was below recommended levels for most participants, while iron and vitamin intakes were generally adequate.
Conclusions:
- Overweight and obesity are significant concerns in the elderly population studied.
- Age-related declines in BMI and blood pressure warrant further investigation.
- Inadequate calcium intake highlights a potential area for nutritional intervention in older adults.