Distribution characteristics of body mass index among Chinese oldest-old aged 80 years and above / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To investigate body mass index (BMI) level, identify the main type of nutritional problem, and describe the population distribution characteristics of BMI among Chinese people aged 80 years or above. Methods: The data of 9 481 oldest-old individuals were obtained from the 2017-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The Lambda-Mu-Sigma method, weighted estimates of BMI, and comparisons by BMI quintiles were used to describe the BMI level and distribution characteristics among the oldest-old. Results: The average age of the participants was (91.9±7.7) years, with P50 of the weighted BMI at 21.9 (95%CI: 21.8-22.0) kg/m2. The result of BMI level showed a decreasing trend with age, with a rapid decline before age 100, and then the trend became slower. There are about 30% of the oldest-old classified as undernutrition, but the prevalence of overnutrition is only about 10%. The population distribution characteristics by BMI quintiles showed the oldest-old with lower BMI levels were likely to have the following characteristics: sociodemographically, to be older, female, ethnic minority, unmarried/divorced/widowed, rural residents, illiterate, with inadequate living expenses, located in Central, South, or Southwest China; regarding lifestyles, lower BMI levels were observed for participants who were smoking, not exercising, lack of leisure activities, or with poor dietary diversity; considering functional status, participants with lower BMI levels were those who have poor chewing ability, disability in activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, hearing loss, visual impairment, or poor self-rated health status. The oldest-old with higher BMI levels were likely to have heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. Conclusions: The overall BMI level was low among the Chinese oldest-old and it showed a downward trend with age. Currently, the main nutritional problem among the Chinese oldest-old was undernutrition rather than overweight or obesity. Management of healthy lifestyles, functional status, and diseases would be helpful to reduce the risk of undernutrition among the oldest-old.

Relación entre manifestaciones neurológicas y severidad de la COVID-19. Hospital San Vicente de Paúl. Ecuador 2021 / Relationship between neurological manifestations and severity of COVID-19. San Vicente de Paul Hospital. Ecuador 2021

Introducción: El SARS-CoV-2 afecta principalmente al sistema respiratorio, pero el daño producido por este virus también se extiende a otros sistemas, incluido el sistema nervioso, y los mecanismos de infección neurológica pueden ser directos o indirectos. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre las manifestaciones neurológicas y la severidad de la enfermedad en pacientes sintomáticos positivos a la COVID-19. Hospital San Vicente de Paúl. 2021. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional de corte transversal, empleando el registro de historias clínicas de los pacientes hospitalizados con la COVID-19 y manifestaciones neurológicas, las cuales se clasificaron en manifestaciones del sistema nervioso central y manifestaciones del sistema nervioso periférico. Resultados: 74,1 por ciento pacientes presentaron manifestaciones neurológicas, el mayor porcentaje se concentró en pacientes que desarrollaron enfermedad grave (15 [60 por ciento], SNC; 91 [77,1 por ciento], SNP; 125 [65,4 por ciento], SNC y SNP). La presencia conjunta de manifestaciones neurológicas centrales y periféricas se asoció significativamente con la COVID-19 crítica (P valor= 0,011; OR: 2,005). El índice de mortalidad alcanzó 2,69 por ciento. Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones neurológicas en pacientes hospitalizados con la COVID-19 son muy frecuentes, y la COVID-19 crítica tiene mayor probabilidad de presentar manifestaciones neurológicas(AU)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the respiratory system, but the damage caused by this virus also extends to other systems, including the nervous system, and the mechanisms of neurological infection can be direct or indirect. Objective: To determine the relationship between neurological manifestations and disease severity in symptomatic COVID-19 positive patients at San Vicente de Paul Hospital in 2021. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using medical records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and neurological manifestations, which were classified into manifestations of the central nervous system and manifestations of the peripheral nervous system. Results: The results show that 74,1 percent of patients presented neurological manifestations; the highest percentage was concentrated in patients who developed severe disease (15 [60 percent], CNS; 91 [77,1 percent], PNS; 125 [65,4 percent], CNS and PNS). The joint presence of central and peripheral neurological manifestations was significantly associated with critical COVID-19 (P value= 0,011; OR: 2,005). The mortality rate reached 2,69 percent. Conclusions: Neurological manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients are very common, and critical COVID-19 is more likely to have neurological manifestations(AU)

Frailty and physical activity in centenarians: a systematic review

There is a lack of studies evaluating frailty and physical activity in people aged 100 years or older. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence on frailty and physical activity in centenarians. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases for articles published until 18 June 2020. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020162913). Five studies were included in this review according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria. In summary, the reviewed studies show that centenarians are fragile and that frailty increases with age; however, women are frailer than men. The most common frailty criteria were low physical activity level (78% to 72.5%), muscle weakness (84.2% to 66%), and slow walking speed (77.6% to 48.4%). Most centenarians perform less exercise than younger older adults, have a low physical activity level, live in nursing homes, and exhibit functional disability. Regarding the methodological quality of the studies, one article was classified as regular and the other four as poor. Frailty and a low physical activity level are common in centenarians. Experimental studies with better methodological quality are necessary to better understand the causal relationship between variables.

Factores asociados a la salud y el bienestar en adultos mayores centenarios / Factors associated with health and well-being in centenarian older adults

Introducción: Con el aumento del nivel de vida y la mejora de los sistemas de salud no es raro alcanzar edades extremas de la vida. A inicios del año 2019, en la provincia Pinar del Río, se declararon 109 centenarios; de ellos, 9 correspondían al municipio Los Palacios, donde se mostró un incremento de 3 individuos en comparación con el año precedente. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y funcionalmente a los adultos mayores centenarios del territorio. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en el municipio Los Palacios en el período enero-marzo de 2019. Población objeto de estudio: 9 centenarios, a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta estructurada, el índice de Katz y el test de calidad de vida MGH. Se respetaron los criterios de inclusión y los principios de la ética médica. Resultados: Predominó la edad entre 100 y 104 años, el sexo masculino, el color de la piel blanca, la viudez, la convivencia con los hijos, el consumo de café y el déficit sensorial. Todos realizaron actividad física y sus hábitos alimenticios fueron saludables a lo largo de la vida. La mayoría no tuvo criterio de polifarmacia. En la evaluación funcional se analizó la calidad de vida y las alteraciones en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: El envejecimiento exitoso en las personas centenarias se caracterizó por tener buena salud percibida y cognitiva, mantener una actitud optimista ante la vida, buena red de apoyo social familiar, antecedentes de familiares longevos y estilos de vida saludables(AU)

Introduction: With the increase in living standards and the improvement of health systems, it is not unusual to reach extreme ages of life. At the beginning of 2019, in Pinar del Río Province, 109 centenarians were reported; of them, 9 belonged to Los Palacios Municipality, where there was an increase of 3 individuals compared to the previous year. Objective: To characterize clinically and functionally the centenarian adults from the territory. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was carried out in Los Palacios Municipality, in the period from January to March 2019. The study population consisted of 9 centenarians, to whom a structured survey was applied: Katz index and MGH quality of life test. The inclusion criteria and the principles of medical ethics were respected. Results: There was a predominance of ages 100-104 years, the male sex, white skin color, widowhood, the condition of sharing house with children, coffee consumption and sensory deficit. All the patients did physical activity and their eating habits were healthy throughout life. Most of them did not have polypharmacy criteria. Regarding their functional assessment, quality of life and alterations in basic activities of daily life were analyzed. Conclusions: Successful aging in centenarians showed that they have good health, both cognitive and perceived, maintain an optimistic attitude towards life, have a good family social support network, a history of long-lived family members, and healthy lifestyles(AU)

Centenarian caregivers: perception of burden, sociodemographic data and physical activity

This study aimed to understand centenarian caregivers' perception of care burden according to sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity level. This is a descriptive study that used a mixed data (quantitative and qualitative) approach. Sixty-seven caregivers of centenarians from municipalities in Santa Catarina participated in this study. Interviews were held for application of questions about sociodemographic data, transport-related and leisure-time physical activity, caregiver burden, and suggestions for improving care. The data were collected in the centenarian's home where the caregiver worked. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative data by content analysis. The results showed that 58.2% of the caregivers were overburdened. Of these, 92.3% were females, 56.4% were 60-75 years old, 48.7% had 7 to 11 years of schooling, 53.8% were married, 66.7% were children of centenarians, the caregiving duration ranged from 1 to 5 years in 35.9%, and 69.2% cared for the older adult 24 hours/day. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) between the level of leisure-time physical activity and caregiving burden, with 64.9% of insufficiently active caregivers tending to be overburdened with the care demand. The suggestions of caregivers for improving centenarian care included having help from health professionals and relatives for care, infrastructure, and financial resources. Most burdened caregivers are insufficiently active and need assistance in taking care of their own health.

Cross-sectional analysis of gonadal hormone expression and relevant factors in female centenarians in Hainan, China / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Gonadal hormone is essential for the health of postmenopausal women, however, few studies have focused on the epidemiological distribution of gonadal hormones in postmenopausal women in very late postmenopausal women. This study aims to investigate and analyze the differences of serum gonadal hormone content and its influential factors among female centenarians in Hainan, China.@*METHODS@#The questionnaire and physical examination data of 741 female centenarians and 401 elderly females in Hainan Province were collected, and venous blood samples were taken to detect the indexes of lipid metabolism, bone metabolism, and gonadal hormone. The differences of gonadal hormones and relavant factors in female centenarians were analyzed and compared.@*RESULTS@#The serum levels of estradiol and progesterone of female centenarians were significantly higher than those of the elderly females (both P<0.001). The serum levels of estradiol and testosterone of ethnic minority centenarians were higher than those in Han nationality (P<0.001), and the serum estradiol and testosterone concentrations were relatively higher when the daily activities were more than 10 min (both P<0.05). Serum estradiol concentration was negatively correlated with apolipoprotein A-I, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride and bone formation markers such as calcium, inorganic phosphorus and vitamin D3, and was positively correlated with the special sequence of β-collagen (markers of bone resorption) (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#For the extremely late postmenopausal women (such as centenarians), there may be characteristic expressions of gonadal hormones, especially estradiol. There is an unprotective correlation of serum estradiol with lipid metabolism index and bone metabolism index in female centenarians, so it is necessary to evaluate the estrogen content and the use of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women.

Grip strength is a strong predictor of survival in nonagenarians and centenarians / Força de preensão palmar e sobrevivência em nonagenários e centenários

Objectives: To understand the importance of hand grip strength (HGS) as a survival predictor in nonagenarians and centenarians. Methods: Longitudinal, observational and analytical study, using HGS measurements obtained during a first evaluation performed in 2016. Participants were nonagenarians and centenarians, randomly selected in various neighborhoods of Porto Alegre (RS) and evaluated in their homes. The time elapsed between the first evaluation and the date of death or last contact (for survivors) was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) using survival analysis on simple and adjusted Cox regression models. Results: The sample comprised 212 participants (155 women), of whom 83 (39%) died during follow-up (until August 30, 2019). Using the lowest quartile (25%) for HGS, participants with < 10 kgf for women and 17 kgf for men were considered to have poor HGS performance. In the simple regression model, participants with lower HGS presented a HR of 2.75 (1.76­4.30, p < 0.001) for death. Also in the simple model, participants aged between 90 and 94 years old presented an HR of 0.37 (0.16­0.85, p = 0.019) compared to those aged 100 or older. In the adjusted model, age lost its significance in the presence of HGS. The following were significant predictors in both simple and adjusted models: cognitive performance, calf circumference, ability to participate in social activities, shop, and prepare meals alone, performance in the Timed Up and Go test, and ease to perform activities requiring upper limb strength. Conclusions: HGS was an important independent and modifiable predictor of survival among nonagenarians and centenarians.

Objetivos: Compreender a importância da força de preensão palmar (FPP) como preditor em nonagenários e centenários. Metodologia: Estudo, longitudinal, observacional e analítico, utilizando os resultados da FPP medidos na primeira avaliação realizada em 2016. Os participantes eram nonagenários e centenários, selecionados aleatoriamente em vários bairros de Porto Alegre (RS) e avaliados em suas residências. Os participantes com 10 kgf para mulheres e 17 kgf para homens foram considerados com menor desempenho da FPP. O tempo entre a primeira avaliação e a data do óbito ou último contato (entre sobreviventes) foi calculado para avaliar a Razão de Dano (RD) usando análise de sobrevida por modelos simples e ajustados da Regressão de Cox. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 212 participantes, 155 mulheres, 83 (39%) faleceram durante acompanhamento (até 30 de agosto de 2019). Na regressão simples, os participantes com menor desempenho na FPP apresentaram RD de 2,75 (1,76 ­ 4,30, p < 0,001). No modelo simples, participantes com idade entre 90 e 94 anos, apresentaram RD de 0,37 (0,16 ­ 0,85, p = 0,019) em relação aos centenários. No modelo ajustado, a idade perdeu sua significância na presença da FPP. Foram preditores significativos nos modelos simples e ajustados: desempenho cognitivo, circunferência da panturrilha, ser capaz de participar de atividades sociais e fazer compras e preparar refeições sozinho, desempenho no teste Timed Up and Go, e a facilidade para realizar atividades que exijam membros superiores. Conclusões: Concluímos que a FPP foi um importante preditor independente de sobrevida entre nonagenários e centenários, o que poderia ser melhorado por uma intervenção clínica.

Large basal cell carcinoma in a 101-year-old Filipino female: A case report

Introduction@#Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of malignancy worldwide. The incidence of BCC is positively associated with increasing age; thus, centenarians, defined as those aged 100 years and above, become a vulnerable population to developing malignancy. As a person ages, risk factors such as chronic sun exposure, ionizing radiation, and immunosuppres- sion induce mutations that contribute to tumor formation. Impaired DNA repair capacity in response to carcinogens and immune function dysfunction also increases BCC risk in the elderly. Currently, studies among centenarians with high-risk basal cell car- cinoma treated with surgical interventions are limited.@*Case report@#Presented herewith is a case of a 101-year-old female with a 15-year history of hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic plaque over the right malar area and a one-year history of progressive pain (PS 10/10) and enlargement of the lesion, forming an ulcerated, hyperpigmented tumor. Laboratory workup showed normal findings. Histopathology was signed out as a pigmented nodulocystic basal cell carcinoma. Moh’s micrographic surgery (MMS) and cheek advancement flap were performed with good wound healing and no perioperative complications.@*Conclusion@#Despite the limited options of medical and physical management due to decreased life expectancy of centenar- ians, MMS remains the standard of therapy in high-risk BCC. MMS with reconstructive surgery is generally a safe and effective modality with no increased risk of peri- and post-operative complications.

Força de preensão manual e velocidade máxima da caminhada de acordo com o nível de atividade física e o sexo de centenários / Handgrip strenght and maximum walking speed according to the physical activity and sex of centenarians

Objetivo: comparar a força de preensão manual (FPM) e a velocidade máxima da caminhada de acordo com o nível de atividade física (NAF) e o sexo em idosos centenários. Método: participaram do estudo 48 centenários (101,73±2,52 anos), sendo 29 mulheres e19 homens. Dados sociodemográficos, de saúde e hábitos de vida foram analisados por meio do Protocolo de Avaliação Multidimensional do Idoso Centenário ­ PAMIC. A FPM foi mensurada por meio de dinamômetro, o NAF por meio de pedômetro e a velocidade máxima da caminhada por meio de teste físico. Foram classificados como centenários ativos os que atingiram no mínimo 1.000 passos/semana e como insuficientemente ativos aqueles abaixo deste valor. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: centenários do sexo masculino apresentaram maior FPM direita (17,47±6,94kgf) e esquerda (16,63±6,28kgf) quando comparados ao sexo feminino (11,90±4,84kgf; 10,48±5,00kgf) (p<0,05). Quando analisados de acordo com o NAF, centenários ativos apresentaram maior FPM direita (22,86±8,01 kgf) e esquerda (22,14±5,55kgf) em comparação aos insuficientemente ativos (14,33±3,82kgf; 13,42±4,14kgf) (p<0,05). Para o sexo feminino, a FPM direita foi maior nas centenárias ativas (15,75±4,68kgf) quando comparadas às insuficientemente ativas (10,43±4,12kgf) (p=0,006). Na FPM esquerda, o grupo ativo apresentou maior valor médio (14,00±4,63 kgf) em comparação ao grupo insuficientemente ativo (9,14±4,55kgf) (p=0,017). A velocidade máxima da caminhada não apresentou diferença significativa de acordo com o NAF ou o sexo dos idosos. Conclusão: o estudo evidencia que a atividade física está intimamente relacionada a melhores valores de FPM, indicando que idosos centenários ativos possuem melhor força corporal global.(AU)

Aim: to compare the handgrip strength (HGS) and the maximum walking speed according to the level of physical activity (PA) and sex in elderly centenarians. Method: 48 centenarians (101.73 ± 2.52 years old) participated in the study, 29 women and 19 men. Sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle data were analyzed using the Multidimensional Assessment Protocol for the Elderly Centenary ­ PAMIC. HGS was measured using a dynamometer, PA utilizing a pedometer, and the maximum gait speed through a physical test. Those who reached at least 1,000 steps/week were classified as active centenarians and those below this value as insufficiently active. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results: centenarians of the male sex had higher HGS on the right (17.47 ± 6.94kgf) and left (16.63 ± 6.28kgf) when compared to the female sex (11.90 ± 4.84kgf; 10.48 ± 5, 00kgf) (p<0.05). When analyzed according to PA, active centenarians had a higher right (22.86 ± 8.01 kgf) and left (22.14 ± 5.55kgf) HGS compared to insufficiently active (14.33 ± 3.82kgf; 13, 42 ± 4.14 kgf) (p <0.05). For females, the right HGS was higher in active centenarians (15.75 ± 4.68kgf) when compared to insufficiently active women (10.43 ± 4.12kgf) (p = 0.006). In the left HGS, the active group had a higher mean value (14.00 ± 4.63 kgf) compared to the insufficiently active group (9.14 ± 4.55kgf) (p = 0.017). The maximum gait speed did not show any significant difference according to PA or the gender of the elderly. Conclusion: the study shows that physical activity is closely related to better values of HGS, indicating that active elderly centenarians have better overall body strength.(AU)

The relationship between sleep and physical activity in nonagenarians and centenarians / Relação entre sono e atividade física em nonagenários e centenários

OBJECTIVE: Since the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality has been poorly studied in nonagenarians and centenarians, this study sought to relate the sleep quality and physical activity in this age group. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the initial assessment of a longitudinal study involving nonagenarians and centenarians in Porto Alegre, Brazil, which included physical activity (yes or no) and sleep quality (altered or normal). The chi-square test, adjusted by logistic regression, was used to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, physical activity, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Among the 233 participants, 26% were physically active and 53% reported altered sleep. Higher frequencies of physical activity and normal sleep occurred in men (36%, p = 0.02 and 54%, p = 0.18), in those living with a caregiver (42%, p = 0.09 and 58, p = 0.51), in those with high school or higher education (33%, p = 0.44 and 58%, p = 0.07), and in those with excellent or good self-perceived health (31%, p = 0.03 and 51%, p = 0.16). Physical activity was lower among those who reported apathy and drowsiness (83%, p = 0.03) and in those who had difficulty falling asleep (66%, p = 0.05). In the adjusted analysis, only education remained significant (p = 0.02, when comparing high school or higher with illiteracy; odds ratio: 3.91 confidence interval 1.18-12.90, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a low frequency of physical activity and a high prevalence of altered sleep patterns in nonagenarians and centenarians. Factors related greater physical activity were also associated with better sleep quality. High school or higher education was a significant and independent predictor of good sleep quality in nonagenarians and centenarians.

OBJETIVOS: A relação entre atividade física e qualidade do sono é pouco estudada em nonagenários e centenários. Portanto, o presente trabalho busca relacionar a qualidade do sono com a atividade física nessas faixas etárias. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal na linha de base de uma coorte longitudinal envolvendo nonagenários e centenários em Porto Alegre (RS), que incluiu atividade física (realiza ou não) e qualidade de sono (alterado e normal). A relação entre qualidade do sono e atividade física e características sociodemográficas e clínicas foi testada pelo χ2 , com análise ajustada pela regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Entre os 233 participantes, 26% realizavam atividade física e 53% referiam sono alterado. Maiores frequências de atividade física e de sono normal foram vistas em homens (36%, p = 0,02 e 54%, p = 0,18), residindo com cuidador (42%, p = 0,09 e 58%, p = 0,51), com ensino médio ou superior (33%, p = 0,44 e 58%, p = 0,07) e ótima ou boa autopercepção de saúde (31%, p = 0,03 e 51%, p = 0,16). A prática de atividade física foi menor entre os apáticos e sonolentos (83%, p = 0,03) e aqueles com dificuldade de iniciar o sono (66%, p = 0,05). Na análise ajustada, apenas a escolaridade se manteve significativa (razão de chance de 3,91 com intervalo de confiança de 1,18 ­ 12,90, p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Os nonagenários e centenários apresentaram baixa frequência de atividade física e alta prevalência de sono alterado. Fatores relacionados à maior frequência de atividade física também apresentavam melhor qualidade do sono. Ter nível de escolaridade secundário ou superior foi um fator preditivo de boa qualidade do sono em nonagenários e centenários

Fractura de cadera y artroplastia en adulta mayor centenaria. Reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Hip fracture and arthroplasty in centenary elderly. Case report and literature review

La fractura de cadera es una patología cuya incidencia ha aumentado drásticamente en proporción al aumento de la población adulta mayor. En los últimos años, los longevos superan los 100 años y son ellos quienes mayoritariamente presentan esta urgencia trauma-tológica, que casi en la totalidad de los casos se presenta posterior a caídas de bajo impacto y requieren resolución quirúrgica. A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina centenaria con fractura de cadera que fue sometida a manejo quirúrgico con posterior recuperación funcional parcial. Se resalta que la edad no es una contraindicación quirúrgica.

Hip fracture is a pathology whose incidence has increased dramatically accordingly with population aging. In recent years, the long-lived have exceeded 100 years. They are who mostly present this traumatic emergency, which almost in all cases occurs after low-impact falls and requires surgical resolution.We expose the case of a centennial female patient presenting with a hip fracture and undergoing surgical orthopaedic repair. She had a partial functional recovery. Our review shows that age is not a surgical contraindication.

Eu, centenário, vaqueiro do sertão - Histórias sobre a verdade de envelhecer / Me, a centennial countryside cowboy - Stories about the truth of aging / Yo, el centenario, un vaquero del sertão - Historias sobre la verdad de envejecer

Revela-se, a seguir, a narrativa de vida de um vaqueiro centenário, a partir de entrevistas realizadas em Tracupá, sertão nordestino - Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de dar visibilidade às formas de apropriação da realidade investidas por Seu Rael, 101 anos, com ênfase no seu trabalho, lazer, memória e cotidiano. Ao final, a simples e extraordinária história de vida desse vaqueiro é colocada em paralelo com as dificuldades do quadro de saberes e poderes sobre o envelhecimento contemporâneo, que insiste em não tratar o envelhecer como coroamento do viver.

The life narrative of a centennial cowboy is herein revealed, based on interviews conducted in Tracupá, northeastern countryside of Bahia, Brazil. It is about giving visibility to the ways of appropriation of reality, invested by Mr. Rael, 101 years old, with emphasis on his work, leisure, memory and daily life. In the end, this simple and extraordinary life story of this cowboy is placed in parallel with the difficulties arising from the knowledge and powers framework on contemporary aging, which insists on not addressing aging as a crowning of living.

La narración de la vida de un vaquero centenario se revela a continuación, en base a entrevistas realizadas en Tracupá, en el noreste del país - Bahía, Brasil. Se trata de dar visibilidad a las formas de apropiación de la realidad invertidas por Seu Rael, de 101 años, con énfasis en su trabajo, ocio, memoria y vida cotidiana. Al final, la historia de vida simple y extraordinaria de este vaquero se coloca en paralelo con las dificultades del marco de conocimiento y poderes sobre el envejecimiento contemporáneo, que insiste en no tratar el envejecimiento como la corona de la vida.

Níveis de fragilidade de idosos e sua associação com as características sociodemográficas / Niveles de fragilidad de ancianos y su asociación con las características sociodemográficas / Frailty levels of elderly people and their association with sociodemographic characteristics

Resumo Objetivo Verificar a associação da fragilidade de idosos com as características sociodemográficas. Métodos Estudo transversal de base populacional, com 555 idosos adscritos as Estratégias Saúde da Família da área urbana de um município do noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul/ Brasil. Os dados foram coletados de abril a dezembro de 2015, por entrevista com caracterização sociodemográficas e avaliação da fragilidade conforme critérios de Fried: perda de peso não intencional no último ano, força de preensão; velocidade da marcha, nível de atividade física e fadiga autorreferida. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados Evidenciou-se que nos idosos mais velhos e do sexo feminino a prevalência de fragilidade é maior. Observou-se associação entre estado civil e moradia quando analisado em relação ao sexo; também, quando observado os componentes da fragilidade a fadiga mostrou associação com o sexo. Na análise bivariada e multivariada, relacionando fragilidade com as variáveis sociodemográficas constata-se que a idade influencia na fragilização. Ainda, destaca-se que a prevalência de fragilidade na população do presente estudo está acima de trabalhos de referencia nacional. Conclusão Resultados apontam para questões relativas ao cuidado, apoio e suporte ao idoso por seus familiares, tão necessários com o avanço da velhice. Não obstante da importância de que isso seja incorporado na rotina das equipes de saúde para todos os idosos adstritos a área de cobertura de Estratégia de Saúde da Família com base em nossos resultados idosos mais velhos, do sexo feminino, e que residem sozinhos devem ser priorizados na atenção básica.

Resumen Objetivo Verificar la asociación de la fragilidad de ancianos con las características sociodemográficas. Métodos Estudio transversal de base poblacional, con 555 ancianos adscriptos a las Estrategias Salud de la Familia del área urbana de municipio del noreste de Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil. Datos recolectados de abril a diciembre de 2015 por entrevista con caracterización sociodemográfica y evaluación de fragilidad según criterios de Fried: pérdida de peso no intencional en el último año, fuerza de prensión; velocidad de marcha, nivel de actividad física y fatiga autorreferida. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y analítica. Resultados Se evidenció que en ancianos mayores de sexo femenino, la prevalencia de fragilidad es mayor. Se observó asociación entre estado civil y residencia analizándoselos en relación al sexo. En el análisis bivariado y multivariado, relacionando fragilidad con las variables sociodemográficas, se constata que la edad influye en la fragilización. También se destaca que la prevalencia de fragilidad en la población del presente estudio es superior a la de trabajos de referencia nacional. Conclusión Los resultados indican cuestiones relativas al cuidado, apoyo y soporte al anciano de sus familias, tan necesarios en la vejez. Más allá de la importancia de que ello sea incorporado en la rutina de los equipos de salud para todos los ancianos adscritos al área de cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia, según nuestros resultados, los ancianos mayores, de sexo femenino y que residen solos, deben priorizarse en la atención básica.

Abstract Objective Verify the association between frailty in the elderly and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods Cross-sectional population-based study, involving 555 elderly assigned to the Family Health Strategies in the urban region of a city in the Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul/ Brazil. The data were collected between April and December 2015, using an interview with sociodemographic characteristics and assessment of frailty according to Fried's criteria: unintentional weight loss in the past year, grip strength; gait speed, level of physical activity and self-referred fatigue. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used. Results It was evidenced that, in the older and female elderly, the prevalence of frailty is higher. An association between marital status and housing was observed when analyzed in relation to sex; in addition, when the frailty components were observed, fatigue was associated with sex. In the bivariate and multivariate analysis, relating frailty with the sociodemographic variables, it was verified that age influences frailty. Also, the prevalence of frailty in the study population surpasses that in other Brazilian studies. Conclusion The results appoint aspects related to family care and support for the elderly, which are that necessary as old age advances. Despite the importance of incorporating this care and support into the health teams' routine for all elderly assigned to the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy, based on our results, elder and female elderly who live alone should receive priority in primary health care.