Anthropometric norms in the elderly.

Anthropometric indices are presented for representative samples of elderly people in South Wales, based on over 1500 subjects seen during community surveys. Body mass index declined with age after 70 years in both men and women. Estimates of fat and muscle volume based on upper arm measurements also showed a decline with age, which was particularly steep for triceps skinfold thickness in women. These indices are in general similar to results that have been reported from other surveys within the UK; they suggest that Welsh old people have less fat and muscle than elderly Americans.