1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and thermogenic effect of a meal (TEM) in older athletes. 2. Eighteen older male volunteers were divided into three groups according to their aerobic power related to fat-free mass (FFM) as follows: (i) group I, high aerobic power (Vo(2max) > 70 mL/kg FFM per min); (ii) group II, moderate aerobic power (Vo(2max) = 55-70 mL/kg FFM per min); and (iii) group III, low aerobic power (Vo(2max) < 55 mL/kg FFM per min). 3. The RMR values, covariated for FFM using analysis of covariance (ancova), were higher in group I (mean (+/-SEM) 1.09 +/- 0.04 kcal/min) than in groups II and III (0.99 +/- 0.05 and 0.91 +/- 0.03 kcal/min, respectively). Group I had a tendency for higher mean TEM values compared with the other groups, but the differences were not statistically significant for absolute or percentage values. 4. Master endurance athletes with high aerobic power exhibit a higher RMR than master endurance athletes of similar age and body composition but with lower aerobic power.