+ Equilíbrio 65 - risco de queda em idosos na comunidade da região do algarve

Introduction - Falls are one of the main causes of morbidity in the elderly population. Identifying and characterising the causal factors is essential for intervention. Objective - To characterise the population of individuals aged 65 and over, from the community, enrolled in senior universities, from a sociodemographic point of view and from the point of view of risk factors and the risk of falling.Methodology - Observational cross-sectional study. Individuals aged 65 or over were included. Data collected by self-completion questionnaire and assessment of fall risk and functional and cognitive capacity with specific instruments: FES-I TUG-C, FRT and FAB. Results - 128 participants aged 65-92 (74.95±6.13), 74.2% women, were assessed. 31.3% had a history of falling in the last year; 75% took more than one medication a day; 97.7% reported chronic comorbidities; 14.8% and 13.3% had a TUG-C and FRT, respectively, compatible with a very high risk of falling. 74.2 per cent have a moderate or high fear of falling and 49.2 per cent have marked executive function dysfunctionDiscussion - The high percentage of risk factors, the prevalence of previous falls, polymedication, chronic comorbidities and low levels of physical activity, psychosocial risk and low levels of education are signs of risk. The high fear of falling, reduced performance in static and dynamic balance tests and cognitive decline highlight the importance of a multidimensional assessment of the risk of falling.Conclusion - This study provided a more consistent view of the problem of balance and the risk of falling and made it possible to identify and analyse the main risk factors for falls in elderly people living in the community in the Algarve region.