Variables such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist/height ratio (WHtR) are used to assess cardiovascular risks associated with abdominal obesity. The Timed Up and Go (TTUG) test assesses mobility and the risk of falls, especially in the elderly and individuals with physical limitations. The objective was to correlate anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk (BMI, WC, WHtR) with performance on the TTUG test in elderly people who practice physical activity. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, CAAE: 27116319.1.0000.8044. Active elderly participants in a public physical exercise program “Project 60 Up”, promoted by the Municipal Secretariat for the Elderly of the City of Niterói, RJ, Brazil, were evaluated. Elderly people of both sexes, with independent locomotion and preserved cognitive status, were included and those with visual, hearing, severe mobility difficulties or neurological sequelae and imbalances were excluded. Anthropometric data were collected: BMI, WC, WHtR, and the TTUG test was performed. Results: In the sample composed of 55 elderly people of both sexes, with an average age of 68 years, the means of the variables were: body weight (67.8 ± 12.7 kg), height (157.2 ± 8.4 cm), TTUG (10.3 ± 2 s), WC (93.3 ± 10.9 cm), WHtR (0.59), and BMI (27.4 ± 4.4). The correlations were between TTUG and age (r = −0.24, p = 0.69), TTUG and BMI (r = 0.111, p = 0.426), and WC and WHtR (r = 0.885, p < 0.000). Weak correlations were observed between TTUG and BMI and WC and WHtR, indicating that factors other than BMI and abdominal fat accumulation may have a greater influence on performance on the TTUG test. In this specific context of elderly people participating in a physical activity program, the results found may have been shaped by the very nature of the interventions carried out in the program, with factors such as muscular strength, flexibility and balance preserved and acquired through the practice of regular physical exercise. Despite the benefits of physical activity, managing weight and abdominal fat remains challenging for elderly individuals with high anthropometric measurements. Conclusions: Although many elderly people have anthropometric measurements above average levels, the results indicate that no negative influence on their performance on the TTUG was observed. However, the limitation of the sample size and the underrepresentation of elderly people ≥ 80 years and of men highlight the need for future studies with larger and more balanced samples to confirm these results.

Indices such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) have emerged as tools to assess cardiovascular risks associated with abdominal obesity. The Timed Up and Go Test (TTUG) assesses mobility and the risk of falls, especially in the elderly and individuals with physical limitations. Objective: To correlate anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk (BMI, WC, WHtR) and performance in the TTUG in elderly people who practice physical activity. Methods: Cross-sectional study, CAAE: 27116319.1.0000.8044, elderly people, both sexes, average age 68 years. Anthropometric data was collected: BMI, WC, WHtR and TUG test results. Results: Average values: weight (67.8 ± 12.7 kg), height (157.2 ± 8.4 cm), TTUG (10.3 ± 2.5 26 seconds), WC (93.3 ± 10.9 cm), waist-to-height ratio (0.59) and BMI (27.4 ± 4.4): Correlations between 27 TTUG and age (r = -0.086, p = 0.683), TTUG and BMI (r = 0.29, p = 0.892) WC and WHtR (r = 0.927, p 28 < 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed correlations between anthropometric indicators of cardio vascular risk (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio) and performance in the TUG test in the elderly.

Introdução: O envelhecimento é um processo biológico complexo e "inoxerável", caracterizado pela deterioração progressiva das funções fisiológicas. Esta senescência, influenciada por fatores genéticos e ambientais, resulta em alterações celulares e sistêmicas que comprometem a capacidade funcional, elevando o risco de dependência e morbimortalidade. Objetivo: Sintetizar o conhecimento científico atual sobre as principais alterações fisiológicas do envelhecimento que impactam a capacidade funcional do idoso. Metodologia: Revisão narrativa da literatura, baseada em busca nas bases PubMed, Web of Science e outras, entre janeiro de 2024 e dezembro de 2025. Foram utilizados descritores relacionados ao envelhecimento e capacidade funcional, incluindo estudos dos últimos 10 anos. Desenvolvimento: O envelhecimento desencadeia mecanismos celulares inter-relacionados (senescência celular, disfunção mitocondrial, inflamação crônica) que se manifestam no declínio de sistemas-chave. No sistema nervoso, há comprometimento cognitivo e motor; no cardiovascular, rigidez arterial e redução do débito cardíaco; no musculoesquelético, sarcopenia e osteoporose; e no respiratório, perda de elasticidade pulmonar. Essas alterações, frequentemente agravadas por sedentarismo e comorbidades, convergem para a redução da autonomia nas atividades da vida diária. Considerações Finais: A compreensão integrada dessas alterações é fundamental para embasar estratégias de promoção da saúde e prevenção de incapacidades. O combate ao sedentarismo e a adoção de um estilo de vida ativo emergem como intervenções centrais para preservar a capacidade funcional, promover autonomia e melhorar a qualidade de vida na população idosa.