Anthropometric Changes Over Five Years in Older Adults and its Association with Demographic Characteristics, Muscle Strength and Comorbid Disorders: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

Background and purpose: Anthropometric measures are of great importance in evaluating older adult health. This study was carried out to examine five-year changes in anthropometric indices of older adults and its association with demographic characteristics, muscle strength, and comorbid disorders. Materials and methods: This cohort study was conducted during 2011-2016 in people aged 60 years and over participating in the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP). The elderly whose anthropometric characteristics were complete in the data bank of AHAP were included in the research by census. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and anthropometric measures, including height, weight, body mass index, neck, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were assessed, and five-year changes were calculated. Results: Among 897 people, significant reductions were seen in height, neck, waist, and hip circumferences, WHtR (P