FALL INJURIES IN OLDER MEN AND WOMEN: NOVEL ASSESSMENTS AND PREDICTORS

Falls are associated with reduced physical function in older adults. However few large epidemiologic cohort studies have characterized fall injuries that were self-treated or all injuries treated in outpatient and inpatient settings. The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) is an ongoing cohort of ambulatory men (N=5,994; 10% minorities; 2000–02 enrollment) aged ≥65 years at 6 U.S. sites. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN; N=3,302; 53% minority; 1996 enrollment) is an ongoing multi-racial/ethnic cohort of women from 7 U.S. sites followed through menopausal transition for 20 years and now in early old age. The Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study enrolled well-functioning, ambulatory Medicare beneficiaries, aged 70–79 years (N=3,075; 52% women, 42% black) at 2 U.S. sites in 1997–98. Each study collected self-reported falls and fall injuries, including non-fracture and fracture injuries. Additionally Health ABC linked Medicare Fee-For-Service claims from denominator, inpatient, outpatient, physician/supplier, and carrier files to treated fall injuries and fractures over 8 years. Perceived fatigue levels will be associated with fall risk in MrOS men (Welburn). Sensory peripheral nerve impairments will be described as fall and fall injury risk factors in SWAN women (Ylitalo). Quadriceps strength will be related to incident fall injuries in Health ABC (Winger). Medicare payments will be compared pre- vs. post-injury for non-fracture and fracture fall injuries in Health ABC (Strotmeyer). The Discussant (Buchner) will focus on the importance of all fall injuries, including self- or outpatient-treated, as these may be early signs of late life decline.