Accurate assessment of body fat percentage (%BF) is essential for predicting health risks in older adults, as age‐related changes affect fat distribution and measurement accuracy. While dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a standard reference, it is costly and less accessible. This pilot study evaluated the validity of four skinfold equations using a digital calliper, with DXA as the reference to estimate %BF in older adults. A cross‐sectional study included 149 participants (28 men and 121 women) aged 60 to 86 years. The Lean, Durnin‐Womersley, and Visser equations (using 2 and 4 skinfolds) were analysed to estimate %BF. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (v.29), including Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney, Cohen's Kappa, and Bland–Altman. Skinfold equations differed significantly from DXA‐derived %BF. In women, DXA values were lower than Lean but higher than Durnin‐Womersley; in men, DXA showed lower %BF than Lean and higher than others. Agreement with DXA was moderate (Kappa 0.54–0.59). Durnin‐Womersley underestimated %BF, especially in men (11.5%); Lean slightly overestimated (1.3%). Visser showed minimal bias—slight overestimation in women (0.3%, 0.4%) and underestimation in men (3.7%, 4.3%). Age‐related physiological factors may impact equation accuracy. Discrepancies between DXA and skinfold equations highlight the need for age‐specific prediction models for older adults.

This study analyzed the interrelationships of anemia, depression, and cognition, as well as some of their associated factors to understand the paths to frailty. Data from 2,174 baseline participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) were used. Path analysis was used to assess the relationships of exogenous variables (place of residence, education level, number of diseases, diet score, and number of natural teeth), one endogenous variable (frailty), and three mediators (cognition, depression, and hemoglobin level). Cognition and hemoglobin level showed a negative path to frailty, while depressive symptoms showed a positive path. Among the exogenous variables, rural area had a negative effect on hemoglobin, depressive symptoms, and frailty; a higher education level showed a positive path to cognition; number of diseases showed a negative path to hemoglobin and a positive path to depressive symptoms and frailty; diet score showed a negative path to hemoglobin and depressive symptoms; number of teeth had a positive effect on cognition and hemoglobin and a negative effect on frailty. Two paths without direct effects had significant indirect effects - rural area showed an indirect relationship with cognition via hemoglobin and depressive symptoms; and education level showed an indirect path to frailty, mediated by the three intermediate variables. These results show complex interrelationships of frailty, hemoglobin, cognition, and depressive symptoms, which help understand the syndrome in a broad way and support the planning of more comprehensive prevention and intervention measures.

The evaluation of body composition plays a crucial role in nutrition and is divided into direct, indirect, and doubly indirect techniques. The use of ultrasound (US) mode A, particularly with the BodyMetrix BX-2000 equipment, has become notable for its accessibility. However, there are still few studies that adequately describe its use. Therefore, this study aims to review the available literature on the validation of portable US mode A in different contexts and populations. When compared to other methods, the review reveals variations in accuracy, especially between men and women. Although the equipment appears to be valid for estimating body fat percentage, its accuracy varies in relation to reference methods, and the need for standardization is emphasized due to different measurement techniques and locations. In summary, the importance of further research for standardization in measurement procedures, including specific equations to estimate body composition with the obtained data, is emphasized.