Dra. Troncoso-Pantoja, Claudia

Background: Aging causes an involution of anthropometric and health indices that can affect physical fitness. Aim: To determine the influence of anthropometric and health indices on the physical fitness of elderly women. Material and Methods: Anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, blood glucose and physical fitness evaluated using Senior Fitness Test, were assessed in 140 women aged 70 ± 5 years. The association between parameters was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression models. Results: In the regression models serum lipids and the suprailiac skinfold were significant predictors of the up and go test (R2= 0.48). HDL cholesterol and the level of physical activity were predictors of the two minutes step test (R2= 0.31). Serum lipids, suprailiac skinfold and age were predictors of the back-scratch test (R2= 0.41). Fasting blood glucose and HDL cholesterol were predictors of the chair sit and reach test (R2= 0.24). Serum lipids and body mass index were predictors of the arm curl test (R2= 0.37). Body mass index and serum lipids were predictors of the chair stand test (R2= 0.49). Conclusions: Anthropometric variables, serum lipid levels and blood glucose were predictors of different physical fitness parameters in these women.

Background: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. Aim: To determine the association between educational attainment and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in older Chilean population. Material and Methods: Data from 2,005 adults aged ≥ 60 years assessed during 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ≤ 8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: > 12 years. suspicion of cognitive imparirment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. Results: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24; 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (≤ 8 years) were more likely to be at risk of suspicion of cognitive imparirment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of suspicion of cognitive imparirment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ≤ 8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42; 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. Conclusions: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing suspicion of cognitive imparirment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.

Background: The assessment of frailty among older people could help to reduce its social and health burden. Aim: To determine and characterize the prevalence of frailty in Chilean older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 233 participants, aged > 60 years, participating in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Frailty was assessed using modified Fried criteria. Thus, people classified as frail should meet at least 3 out of the 5 criteria (low strength, low physical activity, low body mass index, slow walking pace and tiredness). Results: The prevalence of frailty was 10.9% (7.7% for men and 14.1% for women). The prevalence of pre-frailty was 59.0% whereas 30.1% of participants were classified as robust. At the age of 80 years 58 and 62% of men and women were frail, respectively. These figures increased to 90 and 87% at the age of 90 years. The prevalence of pre-frailty increased from 43 to 92.1% among men and from 76% and 78% among women from the ages of 60 to 90 years, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty increased markedly with age. It is important to implement prevention strategies to allow an early identification of high-risk individuals.

Background: The adaptation of older people to nursing homes may be problematic. Scales to assess the degree of adaptation are required. Aim: To adapt and evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Scale of Adaptation of the Older Adults to their Residence (EAPAR) in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: EAPAR and self-esteem scales were applied to 106 people aged 79 ± 7 years (57% women) living in nursing homes. Reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The instrument was adequately understood by the Chilean participants. In the content validity, the structure of the scale appears homogeneous and with an acceptable statistical significance. Conclusions: EAPAR is a reliable and valid instrument to be used by health professionals.