Prevalence of anthropometric and physiological patterns in the elderly population over 60 years in Arica, Chile

The aim of this study was to determine anthropometric and physiological patterns and compare the effect of physical activity in older adults from Arica, Chile. One hundred elderly aged from 60 years on, participated in this study. In this population, we proceeded to measure weight, height and calculated body mass index (BMI) and also obtained records of vital capacity and maximal oxygen consumption. Then through blood samples, hematocrit and haemoglobin were determined. The population was categorized in age ranges and separated by gender. Then by simple questionnaire of activities, they were separated into active and sedentary older adults. The results obtained indicate that the active population has a better record than the sedentary population, both in women as well as in men. When analized according to sex, similar results were observed. Spirometry records of the entire study population are very low. We conclude that physical activity is an important factor in the quality of life of people in the so-called third age, supporting theories of an active and successful aging. The study also reaffirms the behavior of the adult population over 60 years is in reality a complex and multifactorial phenomenon.