RESUMO
To evaluate the quality of life, and to establish local reference standards, the nutritional and metabolic status were assessed in two-hundred-eleven non-institutionalized adults divided in two groups: the experimental (> or = 60 years old), and the control (< 60 years old). The anthropometric nutritional status was assessed with the Quetelet Index with no significant differences between the age groups. The 24-hour recall method in the dietetic evaluation showed a high lipid and protein diet, which is characteristic of the region. The diet is deficient in energy, carbohydrates, fiber, copper, and zinc. Biochemical determinations of zinc, copper, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, and insulin, were performed on 12-hours fasting subjects without significant (p < 0.05) age-based differences, except albumin levels, which reflects overall protein status. On the other hand, albumin, trygliceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and copper levels showed sex-based and age-sex-based significant differences (p < 0.05). Similar studies should be made on institutionalized or free-living individuals, from different socioeconomic levels and a nutritional status assessed by anthropometric measures, body composition, and food intake.