Age estimation biases based on body size: the differential impacts of soft tissue on skeletal ageing

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this research project is to explore the differential impacts of soft tissues on skeletal ageing and apply these findings to skeletal age estimation methods. Computed tomography (CT) scans of 412 size‐selected individuals from Ontario, Canada, were assessed using an adapted pubic symphysis age estimation method. Individuals ranged from 20 to 79 years of age (mean = 49.46 years), with 208 males and 204 females. Almost 80 per cent of the sample was assigned to the correct age phase; those not correctly aged followed a similar pattern. Individuals with higher body mass, body mass index (BMI), circumference, and total fat area were over‐aged and those with lower body mass, BMI, circumference, and total fat area were under‐aged. High amounts of adipose tissue led to increased skeletal degeneration, but high amounts of muscle tissue did not have a protective effect. Skeletal elements were not reliable proxies for body mass; however, other morphological features may help identify individuals with high body mass from skeletal remains.