Anthropometric values in an elderly French population

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Anthropometry
• Public Health

Background:

• Anthropometric indices are vital for assessing nutritional status and health in aging populations.
• Existing data may not reflect regional variations within a country.
• Cross-cultural comparisons highlight the need for localized reference values.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare anthropometric indices among elderly individuals across two French regions.
• To identify age- and sex-specific differences in these measurements.
• To establish local anthropometric percentile values for the French elderly.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of anthropometric data (weight, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, body mass index) in elderly French residents (≥65 years).
• Stratification into four age groups: 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+ years.
• Pooled analysis for percentile establishment where no significant regional differences were found.

Main Results:

• Interregional differences in anthropometric indices were observed in younger elderly groups (women 65-69, men 65-74).
• A general decline in weight, body fat, and muscle mass with increasing age was confirmed.
• French elderly exhibited higher arm circumference, muscle arm circumference, and triceps skinfold percentiles compared to a Welsh population, but lower body mass index percentiles.

Conclusions:

• Significant interregional variations in anthropometric indices exist within the French elderly population.
• Observed differences compared to British data underscore the importance of using local reference values.
• Localized anthropometric data are essential for accurate health monitoring and interventions in the elderly.