Structured multicomponent physical exercise (PE) for older adults, with a combination of strength, aerobic, flexibility, and balance exercises, has been shown to have benefits for physical, cognitive, social, and metabolic functioning, as well as counteracting chronic pathologies and geriatric syndromes. However, little is known about the effect of these interventions in Chilean older adults. Our objective was to determine the effect of a structured multicomponent PE intervention on the quality of life (QoL) and biopsychosocial factors of community-living older adults. We conducted a pre–post intervention without control group, with a face-to-face structured multicomponent PE intervention (cardiovascular, strength/power, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, other psychomotor components, and education), based on FITT-VP principles (frequency, intensity, type, time, volume, and progression of exercise), at moderate intensity, 60 min per session, three times per week, and 12 weeks in duration, among 45 persons with an average age of 70.74 years. Participants were evaluated at the beginning and end of the intervention with different instruments of comprehensive gerontological assessment (CGA). Post intervention, participants (83.70% average attendance) significantly improved scores in QoL, biological and biopsychosocial frailty, sarcopenia, functionality in basic, instrumental, and advanced activities of daily living, dynamic balance, cognitive status and mood, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, body mass index, strength and flexibility clinical tests of lower and upper extremity, aerobic capacity, agility, and tandem balance. The indication and prescription of structured multicomponent PE based on FITT-VP principles, as evaluated with the CGA, improved the QoL and biopsychosocial health of older adults. This intervention could serve as a pilot for RCTs or to improve PE programs or services for older adults under the auspices of existing public policy.

Frailty and cardiovascular diseases are increasingly prevalent in aging populations, sharing common pathological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress. The evidence shows that these factors predispose frail individuals to cardiovascular diseases but also increase the risk of thrombosis. Considering this background, this review aims to explore advances regarding the relationship between oxidative stress, platelet alterations, and cardiovascular diseases in frailty, examining the role of reactive oxygen species overproduction in platelet activation and thrombosis. The current evidence shows a bidirectional relationship between frailty and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing how frailty not only predisposes individuals to cardiovascular diseases but also accelerates disease progression through oxidative damage and increased platelet function. Thus, oxidative stress is the central axis in the increase in platelet activation and secretion and the inadequate response to acetylsalicylic acid observed in frail people by mitochondrial mechanisms. Also, key biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as isoprostanes and derivate reactive oxygen metabolites, can be optimal predictors of cardiovascular risk and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The potential of antioxidant therapies in mitigating oxidative stress and improving cardiovascular clinical outcomes such as platelet function is promising in frailty, although further research is necessary to establish the efficacy of these therapies. Understanding these mechanisms could prove essential in improving the health and quality of life of an aging population faced with the dual burden of frailty and cardiovascular diseases.

Key words: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Exercise; Primary Health Care; Rehabilitation

Introducción: Existen escasos instrumentos que evalúen la calidad de alimentación de adultos mayores (AM) de la comunidad.Objetivo: Realizar la validación de contenido de la encuesta diseñada para determinar la Calidad de la Alimentación del Adulto mayor (ECAAM).Material y Métodos: Basado en la literatura existente se diseñó un cuestionario para evaluar la ECAAM. Se realizó la validación de contenido mediante el Índice de Validez de Contenido a través del cálculo de la Razón de validez de contenido de Lawshe. Participaron del proceso de validación 28 expertos. Posteriormente la encuesta ya validada se aplicó a AM.Resultados: Se validaron en contenido 23 preguntas, distribuidas en las 2 sub escalas del instrumento. Las 15 primeras preguntas sub escala Hábitos Alimentarios Saludables y 8 preguntas sub escala Hábitos Alimentarios No Saludables. El Índice de Validez de Contenido fue de 0,85.Se encuesto a 458 adultos mayores. En la subescala de Hábitos Alimentarios Saludables el 11,2% de los hombres y 11,4% de las mujeres presenta hábitos alimentarios saludables, en relación con la subescala Hábitos Alimentarios No Saludables, el 54,4% de los hombres y el 42,9% de las mujeres presenta hábitos alimentarios no saludables. Finalmente, en la suma de ambas escalas, solo el 16,6% de los hombres y 17,6% de las mujeres categorizan dentro de Buena Calidad de la AlimentaciónConclusión: La encuesta ECAAM, es un instrumento válido en contenido y fácil de aplicar a AM y permite evaluar y caracterizar la calidad de la dieta de este grupo etario.

In recent decades, Latin America and the Caribbean region have experienced accelerated aging. However, despite the significant progress of gerontology in the region, the number of geriatricians and professionals trained in the field is low; a notable gap in the training related to the assessment of older adults can also be observed. Therefore, in this literature review, we update the concept of Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment (CGA) for its application in the region. We compile the characteristics, validity, and reliability of CGA tools, and their usage in government documents across countries in the region. We also analyze the adaptations made to CGA during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discuss challenges related to CGA administration, academic training, research, innovation, and management. This study is particularly relevant as it proposes lines of action for decision-makers, academics, researchers, university students, and the general community, which will allow for more tailored interventions aimed at meeting the needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers. Such actions will positively impact functionality, autonomy, and quality of life, while promoting healthy, active, and successful aging in the region.