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Abstract
Biological age, estimated through bioelectrical impedance analysis, reflects accumulated physiological wear and may differ considerably from chronological age depending on lifestyle habits a condition poorly documented in older adults in rural Andean settings. Food insecurity, sedentary behavior, and smoking accelerate biological aging, especially in populations with limited access to preventive health services. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 rural older adults in Ecuador (65-95 years; 183 women, 93 men). Sociodemographic variables, smoking status, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were assessed using standardized instruments. Biological age was determined by bioimpedance; a difference of ?5 years from chronological age defined accelerated aging. Student's t-tests, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were applied. The overall mean difference was 3.17 ± 4.8 years. 35.5% exhibited accelerated aging. Men showed a greater mean difference (3.8 ± 4.5) than women (2.9 ± 4.9), without statistical significance (p=0.150). Smoking elevated the difference to 4.9 ± 1.9 years versus 3.1 ± 4.9 in non-smokers. In logistic regression, smoking carried the highest risk (OR=2.83; 95% CI: 0.78-10.30), without reaching significance. Modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking, were associated with greater acceleration of biological age in rural Ecuadorian older adults. Bioimpedance is confirmed as a viable tool for early detection of accelerated aging at the primary care level.
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