title: [Epidemiologic and nutritional characteristics of the elderly].
abstract: A sample of 1365 elders of both sexes from rural and urban populations was studied. Thirty four percent of the subjects were older that 80 years. 21.6% lived alone, 25% were illiterate and 50% did not finish elementary school. Mental impairment was found in 5.6% and body mass index was normal in 41.4% of subjects. Eighty seven percent did not smoke and 80% were teetotalers. Medical services were requested at least every one year by 15.4% and twice a year by 11.9% of subjects. These numbers will help to design preventive and interventional policies directed to this segment of the population.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Soto
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gaete
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cariaga
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cancino
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peña
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cornejo
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rojas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002677:Chile; D015981:Epidemiologic Factors; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012907:Smoking
vernacular_title: Características epidemiológicas y nutricionales del adulto mayor.