PHYSICAL CONDITIONING STATUS AND DIET INTAKE IN ACTIVE AND SEDENTARY OLDER MEN

Changes in body composition accompanied by a reduction of food intake have been reported to occur with aging, but these changes may not be an inevitable consequence of aging, if one continues a vigorous exercise program in later life. The diets and body composition of 16 endurance-trained older athletes were compared to those of 24 healthy age and BMI-matched sedentary men. Aerobic capacity was greater in athletes (p < 0.001). Percent body fat and waist/hip ratio were lower in athletes than in controls (p < 0.05). Protein and Kcal intake per kg body weight were greater in athletes (p < 0.05). The composition of the diets was different also, with athletes consuming a greater percentage of their calories as carbohydrate and less as alcohol and fat (p < 0.05). Percent body fat was inversely related to kcal/kg intake in athletes (r = -0.58, p < 0.02), but not controls (r = -0.35, p = 0.18) and to VO2 max in controls (r = -0.45, p < 0.05) but not athletes (r = -0.17, p = 0.53). These results show that older endurance-trained male athletes can maintain high levels of aerobic fitness and desirable weight and body composition despite calorie intakes comparable to levels of much younger men.