Anthropometric reference values for community-dwelling older adults from northeastern Brazil

The aging process is continuous and irreversible and is characterized by physiological and structural alterations and changes in body composition. The aim of this study was to report anthropometric reference values for community-dwelling older adults from northeastern Brazilaccording to gender and age group. This cross-sectional study used data from an epidemiological population-based study involving 316 older adults. The following measures and anthropometric indicators were evaluated: weight, height, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold (TSF), waist circumference, arm circumference, calf circumference, and arm muscle circumference (AMC). All data are reported as means, standard deviations, and percentiles. Comparisons between age groups were performed using one-way ANOVA. The study included 173 women (54.7%) and 143 men (45.3%). Body weight and BMI were higher in younger women (60-64 years) compared to older ones (80 years or older). Arm circumference, TSF and AMC were lower in women aged ≥ 75 years compared to women aged 60-64 years. For men, arm circumference and AMC were lower in the oldest age group (≥ 80 years) compared to the youngest group (60 to 74 years). These differences were significant. The present study indicates that changes in body measures occur differently between genders with advancing age. The reduction in muscle mass and body fat is more prominent in women than in men and anthropometric changes are more noticeable in the older age group.