1. Mental health, psychotropic medications and the subsequent risk of falls in older women and men Deirdre McLaughlin, Janni Leung, Annette Dobson, Julie Byles NHMRC/ARC Ageing Well, Ageing Productively Grant

2. Background Poor psychological well- being and the use of psychotropic medications have been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults.

3. Sample  Older adults aged 82-87 in 2008  Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (n=2,167)  Health in Men Study (n=974)

4. Mental health status Mental health sub-scale of the SF-36 Self-reported doctor diagnosis of depression or anxiety Use of psychotropic medications Anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants Predictors at baseline

5. Falls at follow-up 2008 In the LAST 12 MONTHS, have you: 1)Slipped, tripped, or stumbled (not to ground)? 2)Had a fall to the ground? 3)Been injured as a result of a fall? 4)Had any other injury from an accident at your home? 5)Broken or fractured any bone?

6. Control Variables Socio-demographic characteristics Drugs linked with postural hypotension (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, A2 blockers, and cholinesterase inhibitors) Chronic conditions (hypertension, stroke, etc), Sensory deficits (seeing and hearing) BMI

8. Conclusions  Healthcare providers should be aware that older adults who are on psychotropic medications OR who have poor mental health are at increased risk of falls and subsequent injury.

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