Using data from the literature on changes in the mineral content, muscle mass and the amount of water in the body during aging, the age-related changes in the chemical composition of the fat-free mass have been calculated. In men the decrease in minerals (bone loss) during aging equals the decrease in protein and water (muscle) in the fat-free mass. As a consequence the chemical composition of the fat-free mass is hardly affected by aging in men. In women, however, the loss of minerals during aging is considerably higher than the decrease in protein and water in the fat-free mass. As a consequence the change in the chemical composition of the fat-free mass in females is remarkable, and therefore in females, the density (kg/l) of the fat-free mass decreases with age. Consequently the body fat percentage calculated from body density with Siri's equation overestimates the real body fat percentage by 2-3 per cent, depending on age. Based on the calculated chemical composition of the fat-free mass at several ages, and its calculated theoretical density, Siri's equation has been adapted. In females but not in men the adapted formulas give a more valid estimate of the body fat percentage calculated from body density compared to Siri's formula.