Factors related to total energy expenditure in older adults (Chile) Factores relacionados con el gasto energético total en adultos mayores (Chile)

© 2015, Grupo Aula Medica S.A. All Rights Reserved. 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<sup>2</sup> = 0.24 p < 0.01). Conclusion: AEE and PAL were lower among older people, with no differences by inst