Assessment of the nutritional status of elderly in Western Pyreneans. Data on 800 indigenous males taking part in the HIPVAL project

Our aim was to assess the nutritional status of elderly males from Western Pyrenees, a particular zone of interest as regards genetics, health and culture. A total of 828 individuals aged 60 or more, indigenous to one of the geographic subdivisions and predominantly living at home, were assessed using the body mass index (BMI), the mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) and a social survey questionnaire. No cases of under-nutrition were detected by the MNA, and 2% of the subjects were classified as “at risk”. These results seemed significantly better than those published in other international series. A significant percentage of favourable characteristics were found, such as living within a family structure, adequate qualitative and quantitative dietary equilibrium, relatively high BMI and a low rate of daily medication. The role of nutrition is of major concern as regards ageing. A favourable profile was observed among these elderly Western Pyreneans.