Body composition was assessed in a group of 344 free-living elderly between 60 and 89 years by means of anthropometry. The height, weight and body mass indexes of the elderly were reduced with advancing age in both the males and females. Skinfold thickness measurements also declined with age. Overall, the female elderly had a greater tricep skinfold thickness but smaller mid-arm circumferences, mid-arm muscle circumference and mid-arm muscle area compared to the male.