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Anthropometry and health in the elderly
K S Kubena1, W A McIntosh, M B Georghiades
1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-2471.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|November 1, 1991
Summary
This study on elderly individuals in Houston found that anthropometric measurements vary with age, sex, and lifestyle. Health practices like smoking and alcohol consumption, along with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, influence body composition in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Anthropometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in body composition.
- Understanding anthropometric variations in the elderly is crucial for health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine anthropometric measurements in younger (58-74 years) and older (75-100 years) elderly individuals.
- To assess the relationship between anthropometric measurements and health practices/disorders in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 424 independent-living elderly in Houston.
- Collected data on height, weight, skinfolds, circumferences, health practices, and diseases.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in anthropometric indexes were observed based on age and sex.
- Active individuals and smokers showed lower body mass index and waist circumference.
- Diabetes and hypertension in younger elderly correlated with higher body mass index and waist circumference.
Conclusions:
- Anthropometric measurements in the elderly are influenced by sex, age, health behaviors, and existing disorders.
- Lifestyle factors and health conditions impact body composition in older adults.
- These findings highlight the importance of personalized health assessments for the aging population.