Comparación del consumo de vitaminas y minerales en adultos mayores chilenos según estado nutricional / Nutrient intake of Chilean older people according to body mass index

Background: An adequate consumption of micro and macro nutrients is essential to maintain an adequate health among older people. Aim: To compare the consumption of micro- and macronutrients in older people from three Chilean cities, according to their nutritional status. Material and Methods: Body mass index (BMI) was assessed and a food consumption tendency survey was applied to 976 non-disabled older people, living in the community. Thinness was defined as a BMI < 23 kg/m². Results: Twenty percent of females and 17% of males had a BMI < 23 kg/m². Participants with a higher BMI had a greater intake of micro- and macronutrients. In females, micronutrient intake was adequate among those with higher BMI, although mean intake of calcium and vitamin B-12 were below recommendations. In males, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid intake were below recommendation. Conclusions: Thin older adults, regardless of sex, had a lower intake of calories and micro- and macronutrients. Additionally, an overall low consumption of zinc, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12 was detected.

Asociación entre calidad de vida y cantidad de sueño en adultos mayores de la Región Metropolitana y Región de Valparaíso, Chile / Association of quality of life perception with sleeping patterns in Chilean older people

Background: An adequate sleeping pattern recovers physical and mental wellbeing and improves mood. Aim: To determine the association between quality of life and quantity of sleep in older people living in Santiago and Viña del Mar, Chile. Material and Methods: The Spanish versions of the Health Promoting Lifestyles survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were answered by 975 non-disabled participants aged 70.7 ± 7.4 years (61% females). Results: Older adults who slept < 7.0 or > 8.5 hours (h) per night were at higher risk of having lower quality of life scores for all sub-domains, compared with those that slept 7.0 to 8.5 h per night. Conclusions: A normal sleep pattern in older adults is associated with a better quality of life perception.