Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Elderly Population in the District of Arica-Chile/Caracteristicas Antropometricas y Fisiologicas de Adultos Mayores de la Comuna de Arica-Chile

In Chile 14% of the population is over 60 years. Aging causes changes in the body, with decreased muscle mass, loss of strength and bio-physiological alterations. The aims of this study were to determine anthropometric and physiological characteristics of active older adults, over 50 years in the district of Arica-Chile. Forty active older male, were divided into group I, aged 50-59 years (n = 20) and group II, 60 to 70 years (n = 20). We determined, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass and body folds. In blood sample glucose, lipid profile, hematocrit and hemoglobin were determined. The Ethics/Bioethics Committee at the University of Tarapaca approved the study methodology. The results showed no significant differences in weight and height in both populations, with a BMI of normal for this Chilean population (27.5 and 27.3 respectively). The fat mass was greater in group I (20.4 [+ or -] 3.4%), but not significant compared to group II. No differences in waist circumference were observed. Cholesterol, hemoglobin and hematocrit were not significantly different in both groups. However glycemic values of 103.6 [+ or -] 5.2 mg/dl in group I and 109.4+ 6.5 mg/dl in group II are on the parameters of normality. Triglycerides also showed levels above normal in both population (227.83 [+ or -] 20.2 mg/dl and 225.17 [+ or -] 22.4 mg/dl respectively). We conclude that both populations have very similar morphophysiological patterns considered among the normal range with increase in parameters to blood glucose and triglycerides. Importantly, all physical intervention in this population should be under the supervision of an exercise physiologist, after a medical examination to assess the initial health status.