Factors related to total energy expenditure in older adults (Chile)

Abstract

Aim: to asses Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) in healthy Chilean institutionalized or independently older people Methods: twenty seven young (27-30 years), 27 institutionalized (> 65 years old) and 27 free-living older (> 65 years old) participants were studied. Body composition was estimated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity energy expenditure (AEE) and TEE were assessed using Actiheart accelerometers. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was applied and Timed Up and Go (TUG) was measured. Results: AEE was 171, 320 and 497 kcal/day in institutionalized, free living older and young participants, respectively (p <0.01 between young and older participants). Both absolute TEE and TEE/RMR was higher in young people. Multiple regression analysis accepted age, MNA and TUG as significant predictors of AEE (r(2) = 0.24 p <0.01). Conclusion: AEE and PAL were lower among older people, with no differences by institutionalization. Keywords Author Keywords:Actiheart; Body composition; Heart rate; Older people; Total Energy Expenditure