Author Information
Maria Daniela Abraham, National University of Córdoba, ArgentinaMariana Butinof, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
Dolores Dopazo, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
Luana Segovia, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
Abstract
Population aging constitutes a demographic phenomenon of increasing relevance in local contexts. Within this framework, the present study examines the health–nutritional status of older adults (OA) in Monte Buey-Córdoba-Argentina and its relationship with the social determinants of health, from a comprehensive, rights-based, and care-centered approach. The objective is to analyze the predominant health–nutritional status among OA considering social determinants of health, and to identify characteristics potentially associated with protective and risk factors in old age during the 2023–2024.
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted (n=103). A semi-structured interview was administered to collect sociodemographic variables, housing conditions, morbidity history, medication use, and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements and functional assessment were performed. The analysis included descriptive statistics, tests of association, multiple correspondence factor analysis.
The sample had a mean age of 67.9 years (SD±6.7), comprising 42 women and 61 men. A high prevalence of excess weight (32%), cardiometabolic risk (63% elevated blood pressure, 51% increased waist circumference), and physical inactivity (44%) was observed, along with environmental exposure in proximity to households. Four profiles were identified: (i) health risk profiles, characterized by multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and environmental exposure; (ii) protective profiles, associated with adequate nutritional status, physical activity, and muscle strength; (iii) frailty profiles, linked to older age, low educational level, and high healthcare dependency; and (iv) autonomy profiles, related to younger age, normotension, and low medication use.
Health in old age is a complex interaction between social, environmental, and biomedical conditions, shaping differential trajectories of vulnerability and healthy aging.
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