Factors related to total energy expenditure in older adults (Chile)

Aim: to assess 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 (r2 = 0.24 p < 0.01).
Conclusion: AEE and PAL were lower among older people, with no differences by institutionalization.