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Background: There has been little exploration of the effect of fragility fractures on patient perceptions of their age. The common assumption is that fractures "happen to old people". In individuals with a fragility fracture, our objective was to explore the experience of feeling old after sustaining a fragility fracture. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from 145 community-dwelling women and men participating in six qualitative primary studies was conducted relying on a phenomenological approach. Participants were English-speaking, 45 years and older, who had sustained a recent fragility fracture or reported a history of previous fragility fractures. Data for the analysis included direct statements about feeling old as well any discussions relevant to age post-fracture. Results: We highlight two interpretations based on how individuals with a history of fragility fracture talked about age: (1) Participants described feeling old post-fracture. Several participants made explicit statements about being "old". However, the majority of participants discussed experiences post-fracture that implied that they felt old and had resigned themselves to being old. This appeared to entail a shift in thinking and perception of self that was permanent and had become a part of their identity; and (2) Perceptions of increasing age after sustaining a fracture were reinforced by health care providers, family, and friends. Conclusions: Our findings challenge the notion that fractures "happen to old people" and suggest that fractures can make people feel old. Careful consideration of how bone health messages are communicated to patients post-fracture by health care providers is warranted. (Word Count: 248) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research has established the link between low energy fractures and the risk for future fractures. These fractures are potential markers for investigation of bone health, and may be precursors for osteoporosis. In spite of its significant public health burden, including burden of illness and economic costs, many individuals are not aware of the risk factors for and consequences of osteoporosis. This is a study of women aged 40 and older who experienced low energy fractures (e.g., from non-trauma sources and falls from no higher than standing height). We gathered data, using focus group interviews, about their experiences and understanding of the fractures in relation to bone health. Women often attributed the fractures to particular situations and external events (e.g., slipping on ice, tripping on uneven ground), and viewed the fractures as accidents. Women often felt that others are at risk for poor bone health, but believed that they themselves are different from those really at risk. Although the fractures are potential triggers for preventive efforts, few women connected their fracture to future risk. What is perceived by women (and others) as random and an accident is often a predictable event if underlying risk factors are identified. Only when there is more awareness of poor bone health as a disease process and fractures as markers for bone fragility will women, men and health care providers take action to prevent future fractures and established bone disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]