Prospective ECUAging observational study: cohort design and preliminary results

Background: The global population is aging, including in historically youthful regions such as low- and middle-income countries in Latin America. Evidence on older adults living in rural areas of this region remains limited. The EcuAging study was designed to fill this gap by characterizing adults aged 55 years and older in a rural inland province of Ecuador. Methods: Over a two-week period in June-July 2023, mobile stations were set up in rural communities of Calvas and Gonzanama counties in the province of Loja, Ecuador. Adults aged 55 and above living in these regions were invited to attend health evaluations and to join our study. 269 individuals agreed to participate in the study. They completed questionnaires about their ociodemographic characteristics, health measures, lifestyle, physical and mental health, functional status, and quality of life. They also underwent anthropometric assessments and blood draws. Results: Of the 269 participants, most were women (56.1%), with a mean age of 70.1 years; 82.5% were aged 60 years. The majority self-identified as mestizo (93.7%) and reported low prevalence of smoking (4.1%) or alcohol consumption (7.4%). Physical performance assessments suggested preserved function and independence in daily activities. In contrast, mental health indicators were concerning, with approximately 75% reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression. No significant sex differences were observed in physical function, activities of daily living, anxiety, depression, or quality of life. Conclusion: The EcuAging study provides the first evidence on the health of older adults in rural inland Ecuador, highlighting a paradox of preserved physical function alongside impaired mental health. Given that most participants were 60 years, findings are directly relevant for geriatric populations and underscore the urgent need to strengthen mental health services in rural settings.