The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50248

Millicent Fleming-Moran, PhD, Applied Health Sciences, Indiana University, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47401, 812 855-8361, mfmoran@indiana.edu

Abstract: 7000 non-institutionalized elders over 70 and were interviewed in the1984 baseline for the national Longitudinal Study on Aging (LSOA); 22.7% reported falling in the previous year (men 18%; women25%). As frequently reported, women reported a recent fall more often than men (OR 1.5, in a weighted logistic regression model including age, race, comorbid conditions, and physical and cognitive functional measures). However, significant gender and race interaction effects required separate models be developed for 2745 men and 4500 women, controlling for age, race, diabetes, heart conditions and hypertension, stroke and specific functional limitations. Severe lower body impairment (Nagi scale) tripled the falling prevalence among men (OR 3.5) and doubled it for women (OR 2.0). In addition, cognitive limitations, age 80+, and restrictions due to dizziness were independent covariates for both genders, after controlling for lower body impairment and demographic variables. However, a previously diagnosed stroke was associated with recent falls only among women (OR 1.6), while minority status and depth perception were associated with lower falling prevalence only among males (OR .48; .51, respectively), which may reflect differential racial and gender survival loss in cross-sectional surveys of community elders. One fall is predictive of institutionalization and mortality risk. These functional and demographic characteristics may help clinicians and community agencies identify at-risk elders for selective screening and referral to assistive services in their communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key health and functional status conditions associated with community elders at risk of falling
• Identify gender- and racial-specific risk factors for falling.
• Recognize the limitations of national datasets in determining prevalence and characteristics of "at risk" elders who may be in need of special support services in the community.

Keywords: Aging, Community Health Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.