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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND BODY COMPOSITION IN OLDER ADULTS IN A SOUTHEASTERN CITY

Abstract

Kivana Keane1, Trudy Moore-Harrison, PhD1, L. Jerome Brandon, PhD, FACSM2. 1UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC. 2Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.

Adults are prone to developing chronic diseases and loss of functional independence as they age. Multiple factors contribute to these conditions, but physical inactivity appears to be a major contributor as physical inactivity has been cited as a risk factor for the development of chronic diseases and becoming dependent on others. Purpose: Therefore, this study was designed to compare the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and body composition in older adults in a southeastern city. Methods: The participants were involved in structured, some in unstructured, and some in little or no physical activity at community recreation centers. The older adults signed institutional approved informed consent forms and were evaluated for differences in body mass index and body fat percentage. To assess body mass index and body fat percentage (BF%), the Omron HBF 306C handheld body fat analyzer was used and data was collected over a nine month period. Summary of Results: The participants were older adults (n=60) from two areas of the city with different SES that had an income range of $33,912-$38,156 (LSES - 25- 37% below poverty level) and $62,276- $103,416 (HSES = 2.3 to 11.5 below poverty level). Participants in the LSES community presented an average BMI of 33.4 and an average BF% of 40.9. Older adults in the HSES community had an average BMI of 30.9 and an average BF% of 39.0. Older adults from both communities, average BMI values place them in the obese category (ACSM guidelines); however, individuals in the LSES community have a trend of higher BMI and BF% that projects that they are at a greater risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

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