These findings suggest that although lean mass and immunocompetence decline with age, in apparently healthy elderly population, there are likely to be protective mechanisms which could prevent deterioration of immunocompetence caused by changes of body composition, and that these might be gender dependent. Further studies are required to clarify the interplay between body composition, gender and immunocompetence in the elderly. The anthropomorphic features of Australian Aborigines have been described, measured and reported in considerable detail by explorers, anthropologists, anatomists and medical practitioners. These reports have provided evidence that some aspects of Aboriginal physique differ considerably from those of Europeans. For example, it has been reported that Australian Aborigines of both sexes have relatively shorter trunks and longer legs than almost every other ethnic group, that body proportions differ less between males and females, and that traditionally Australian Aborigines had a lower weight for stature than Europeans of the same age and sex.
Less information exists on their body composition.
The results demonstrate the limitations of these techniques. Stature was negatively associated with age and positively related to education level. Our study suggests that a favourable environment can promote full genetic potential in growth, as evident in the Australian-born Chinese. Those born in Vietnam appeared to have taken full advantage of the Australian environment and showed an elevation of body composition. Average body weight showed seasonal fluctuations of 1.4 kg in South Beninese women and of 3.8 kg in North Beninese women.