Objective:

The purpose of the study was to develop normative data for anthropometric, adiposity and upper body strength in Costa Rican adults 60 to 110 years old.

Method:

A representative sample of Costa Rican male and female older adults (n= 2 711) were assessed for body weight and height, knee height, waist, hip and arm circumferences, adiposity, and upper-body strength. The 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles were selected as the normative reference points for each 10-year age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-99, and ≥100).

Results:

Men and women experience age-related increased adiposity and reductions in upper body strength; however, men increased their upper-body strength at older ages.

Conclusion:

The normative values allow health professionals to monitor anthropometric, adiposity, and upper-body strength in older adults, and to design comprehensive fitness interventions that promote a healthy lifestyle in the population.

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