[Anthropometric characterization, quality and lifestyles of the Chilean higher octogenarian old].

Introduction: In Chile there has been an increase in the elderly population (AM). There is an interest in the group aged in 80 and older, because it has been described that they have different characteristics in relation to nutritional status, habits and quality of life.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of autonomous -AM of 80 years and over considering different aspects such as anthropometry, styles and quality of life.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, 271 AM of both genders, anthropometry was assessed by body mass index (BMI), two criteria for nutritional diagnosis were considered:, one from the Ministry of Health of Chile (MINSAL) and the other from the World Health Organization (WHO). Subsequently surveys of food frequency , Pittsburgh Sleep, sleepiness and quality of life perception were applied.

Results: The mean BMI was similar in both sexes (p = 0.06). However the intake of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients was higher in men (p <0.01). Considering both criterias MINSAL v/s International, it was found that nearly twenty times of the underweight AM proportion was detected by MINSAL criteria. Also, for the excess weight condition WHO classifies these cases with more frecuency (p <0.01). Moreover an excessive daytime sleepiness and moderate quality of life in the AM were perceived in the studied population.

Conclusion: There is a significant prevalence of overweight in this age group, indepentently of criteria used. Although there are still some critical micronutrient deficiencies for this emerging age group.