| Summary: | Introduction: Older people have multiple characteristics which increase the risk of falling and ultimately decrease the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the risk of falling in the elderly by studying the history of falling, fear of falling, personal and functional characteristics. Methods: This is an exploratory, transversal and quantitative study. Elders from 2 institutions in the district of Lisbon were included in the analysis (n = 54). Two instruments were used: (1) a questionnaire to assess personal and demographic characteristics (age, sex, actual diseases, other clinical conditions, medication), history of falls (within 1 month, 3 months and more than 3 months), fear of falling, and functional characteristics (physical activity and walking aids); (2) the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) whose patients with TUG ≥ 13.5 sec, were considered at risk of falling. Results: Among 54 participants (average age: 74 years; 72% female), 78% were medicated (mostly with hypertensive drugs), 65% reported visual or auditory impairment, 76% underwent physical activity of light and moderate intensity with most participating in sedentary leisure activities. As for the history of falls, 50% had more than 13.5 seconds in TUG (risk of falling), 80% had fallen, mainly at home (48%) and 65% reported fear of falling. Keys conclusion: A substantial part of the population studied has fallen risk factors, evoking the need to increase physical activity and integration on a physical therapy program to prevent falling.
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