ABSTRACT. The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is a longitudinal survey on predictors and consequences of changes in physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning in elderly people. The study constitutes a random sample of the urban and rural population in three culturally distinct geographical areas in the West, East, and South of the Netherlands. Key variables in the study are mobility, coordination, vision, ADL, intelligence, memory, depression and social participation. About 1600 subjects (> 65 year) will participate in an additional study on easily measurable risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. The emphasis rests on risk factors for falls, factors which modify the impact of the fall and risk factors which influence bone mass, bone structure and bone quality. The additional study includes a medical interview, balance tests, chair stands, grip strength, anthropometry, biochemical markers and ultrasound attenuation of the heel. More complex parameters such as body composition, bone mass and a spine radiograph will be measured in one region (600 subjects) for comparison with the easily measurable variables. The measurements of the additional study have started in October 1995 and will take approximately one year to be completed. A follow up on falls and fractures will be done during 3 years after initial examination This includes a calender on falls and fractures with follow-up every 3 months. For this follow-up study a memory-aid calender will be provided to assist the subjects' recall of falls and fractures. The subjects will asked to fill out a questionnaire about new falls and fractures every 3 months. The study will participate in an EEC study in the program "European Prospective Osteoporosis Study" (EPOS).
