Investigation and analysis of osteoporosis, falls, and fragility fractures in elderly people in the Beijing area: a study on the bone health status of elderly people ≥ 80 years old with life self-care

Among ≥ 80 years old and under life self-care in the Beijing area, the prevalences of osteoporosis, falls, and fragility fracture were high; and these prevalences were even higher in women. The treatment rate of osteoporosis is very low. Therefore, comprehensive and standardized prevention and treatment should be promoted.

The purpose of this study is to investigate prevalence of osteoporosis, falls, and fragility fractures in this population, and analyze related factors, in order to provide a basis for standardized prevention and treatment.

From August 2015 to August 2016 in Beijing City, a total of 175 elderly individuals, who were ≥ 80 years old and had good self-care ability, were included into this study. The questionnaire, risk of falls, grip force, and walking speed were measured, and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and chair-rising test (CRT) were performed.

Compared to women, men have higher rates of smoking, drinking, drinking strong tea, longer outdoor activity time, as well as larger muscle strength and pace, and lower consumption of dairy products, fall risk assessment scale (FRA) score, 25OHD, administration rates of calcium and anti-osteoporosis drugs (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with men, women had higher bone turnover markers (P1NP, β-CTx, and OC) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and lower levels of sex hormones (E2, T) (P < 0.01). The overall prevalence of osteoporosis was 24.6%, and this was significantly higher in women than in men (52.5 vs. 9.6%, P < 0.01). Among these subjects, 62.9% had a history of fall after 80 years old, and this rate was higher in women than in men (77 vs. 55.3%, P < 0.01). The overall prevalence of fragility fractures was 25.1%, which was higher in women than in men (45.9 vs. 14.0%, P < 0.01). Risk factors included falls after age 80, high FRA score, and reduction in bone density of lumbar vertebrae 1–4, and odds ratio (OR) was 12.195, 1.339, and 0.076, respectively (P < 0.01). Anti-osteoporosis therapy was only performed on a small number of patients with fractures.

The prevalences of falls, prior fracture, and low BMD were high among ≥ 80 years old and under life self-care in the Beijing area. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment should be promoted.