Anthropometric measures and nutritional status in a healthy elderly population.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric evaluation is an essential feature of geriatric nutritional evaluation for determining malnutrition, being overweight, obesity, muscular mass loss, fat mass gain and adipose tissue redistribution. Anthropometric indicators are used to evaluate the prognosis of chronic and acute diseases, and to guide medical intervention in the elderly. We evaluated anthropometric measurements and nutritional status as they relate to age and gender in healthy elderly people. METHODS: The study analyzed data from the national survey "Health needs and health service use by older-than-60-year-old beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS)". The present study included only individuals who reported no chronic disease in the last 20 years and had no hospital admission in the two months prior to the survey. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body circumference (arm, waist, hip and calf), waist to hip ratio (WHR), elbow amplitude and knee-heel length. RESULTS: Application of the inclusion criteria resulted in a study population elderly of 1,968, representing 12.2% of the original number in the national survey in urban areas beneficiaries of the IMSS. The study population comprised 870 women and 1,098 men, with a mean age of 68.6 years. The average weights were 62.7 kg for women and 70.3 kg for men (p < 0.05), and the mean heights were 1.52 m for women and 1.63 m for men (p < 0.05). Age related changes in anthropometric values were identified. BMI values indicated that 62.3% of the population was overweight, and 73.6% of women and 16.5% of men had high fat tissue distribution. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that applying the BMI thresholds that identify being overweight in the general adult population may lead to an overestimation in the number of overweight elderly Similar problems appear to exist when assessing waist circumference and WHR values. Prospective studies are required to determine the associations between health and BMI, waist circumference and WHR in the elderly.

Active life expectancy of older people in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Social and economic development together with demographic changes and health interventions have resulted in an increase in life expectancy and a rapidly ageing population in Mexico. Whether people will live longer active and independent lives is still, however, unknown. We will address this question, providing the first estimates of active life expectancy by age, sex and local regional area in Mexico. METHODS: Active life expectancy was calculated using the Sullivan method with abridged life tables. Information on the older Mexican population covered by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) and the number of deaths for the same group in the year 2000 was obtained from the Office for Health Statistics and Information at IMSS in Mexico. Information on ability to perform basic activities of daily living was obtained from the National Survey on Ageing carried out in IMSS during 1998-99. RESULTS: For males and females combined, active life expectancy decreased from 26.9 years at 60 years to 5.7 years at 85 years. Women's life expectancy exceeded that of men but women lived more years dependent. Similarly, older people in geographical areas with longer life expectancy spent a lower proportion of remaining life active. CONCLUSION: The success in increasing life expectancy above average in some groups of older people covered by IMSS has been accompanied by increments in the proportion of remaining years dependent upon others for help in basic self-care activities.

Satisfacción de los pacientes hipertensos de 60 años y más sobre la atención de enfermería en casa / Satisfaction in 60 years and older hypertensive patients regarding home nursing assistance

Introducción: La satisfacción del paciente es un resultado Importante para la evaluación de los servicios de salud. Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción de pacientes hipertensos de 60 años y más sobre la atención de enfermería en casa. Metodología: Estudio transversal comparativo, se midió la satisfacción de 324 derechohabientes de 60 años y más que recibieron atención de enfermería en casa. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas y de salud, la satisfacción se evaluó a través de la relación interpersonal; la atención técnica y la orientación e información que recibieron por la enfermera. Análisis: frecuencias, X2 y t de student con un nivel de confianza del 95% Resultados: El 73.5% de los sujetos de la muestra se sintieron satisfechos por la atención recibida. Las características de la población relacionadas con su satisfacción fueron: independencia para llevar su tratamiento farmacológico (p<0.001), independencia para desplazarse dentro o fuera de su domicilio (p=0.004). De las características de la enfermera, el tipo de relación que manifestó llevar con su familiar anciano (p=0.007). Discusión: El nivel de satisfacción es multifactorial, como ha sido descrito en investigaciones médicas. La atención personalizada sigue siendo un aspecto Importante para la satisfacción del paciente. Conclusiones: Sobre el desempeño de la enfermera, es Importante reconocer, que ya se ha hablado sobre la Importancia de rescatar las relaciones interpersonales en este binomio. Por lo que se tendrá que buscar alternativas para que formen parte de la capacitación y perfil de quienes ya ejercen la atención y de los prospectos a ejercerla. Esta capacitación mejorará la participación y el rol de la enfermera en la promoción de un envejecimiento saludable.

Introduction: Patient satisfaction is an important result for evaluation of the health services. Objective: To evaluate satisfaction in 60 year old and older hypertensive patients regarding home nursing assistance. Methodology: Comparative, transversal study; I was measured satisfaction on 324 insured 60 year old and older patients who received home nursing assistance. Socio-demographic and health variables were studied; satisfaction was evaluated through interpersonal relationship, technical assistance, orientation and information given by the nurse. Analysis: frequencies, X2 and T-student with a confidence level of 95%. Results: 73.5 % people in the sample felt satisfaction because of the received assistance. The characteristics of the population related to satisfaction were: Independency to follow their pharmacologic treatment (p<0.01) independency to move In and out of home (p=0.00). From nurses' characteristics, the type of relation manifested of getting along with the old parent. Discussion: Satisfaction level is multifactor as it has been described in medical research. Personalized assistance continues being an Important aspect for the patient's satisfaction. Conclusions: Regarding the accomplishment of the nurse, it is Important to know that it has spoken out about the necessity of rescuing interpersonal relations in this binomial interaction. Indeed, it will be necessary looking for alternatives that take part of training and traits of whom exert already that assistance and those prospects to exert it. This training will Improve the participation and roll of nurses In the promotion of healthy aging.