Assessment of Haematological Parameters and Body Mass Index Among Geriatric Out- Patients in Ekpoma, Edo State

Aging is associated with physiological changes that affect various bodily systems, including the hematological system. This study aimed to evaluate hematological parameters and Body Mass Index (BMI) in geriatric subjects (≥60 years) and compare them with apparently healthy young adults (20-33 years). A total of 100 subjects (50 geriatrics and 50 controls) were recruited for this study. Hematological parameters, including white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count, were assessed. BMI was calculated, and comparisons were made between geriatric and control groups. The results showed higher BMI values in geriatric subjects, although not statistically significant. White blood cell count was lower in geriatric subjects, while lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, and platelet count showed no significant differences. Hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly higher in geriatric subjects. The findings suggest that ageing is associated with changes in hematological parameters and BMI, which may not necessarily indicate disease. The study's results are consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for hematological values among blacks and highlight the importance of considering age-related changes in hematological parameters when assessing the health status of geriatric subjects.