Anthropometric measurements in the elderly of Havana, Cuba: age and sex differences

OBJECTIVE: We present selected anthropometric data, specific for sex and age group, from a representative sample of elderly subjects living in Havana, Cuba. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, population-based household survey. A total of 1905 subjects (1197 women and 708 men, > or = 60 y of age) were examined between 1999 and 2000 as selected by probabilistic sampling. Data were presented as means and percentiles for body mass; height or stature; body mass index; waist, arm, and calf circumferences; triceps skinfold thickness; and arm muscle circumference; and differences were described according to age (all variables) and sex (body mass index). RESULTS: All anthropometric variables showed a decrease in average values with aging in men and women. The age of 70 y appeared to be the decisive moment for the main anthropometric differences observed. The values in the female group were higher than those in the male group for body mass index and triceps skinfold thickness. An important segment of the population studied had a body mass index lower than normal values. Reductions in subcutaneous fat (indicated by triceps skinfold thickness) and muscle mass (verified by arm, arm muscle, and calf circumferences) with advancing age appeared to be greater among women than among men. CONCLUSION: The present study provides information that can be used for anthropometric evaluation of elderly people in Havana and other urban areas in Cuba. The observations suggest that there is loss of muscle mass and redistribution and reduction of fat mass with age (that is more severe in women).