Fatores de risco para quedas em mulheres com 60 anos ou mais: revisão integrativa da literatura

Background: Population aging represents an important public health challenge, and falls are among the events that most compromise the health and functionality of the older population, with significantly higher occurrence among women. Purpose: To analyze the risk of falls in older women aged 60 years or older, considering the main associated factors and the contribution of physiotherapy to the prevention of these events and maintenance of functionality. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, conducted from a guiding question developed using the PVO strategy (Population, Variable, Outcome), with searches in the PubMed, SciELO and MEDLINE databases, including studies published between 2016 and 2026, in Portuguese and English. Results: Multiple risk factors for falls in women aged 60 years or older were identified, classified as intrinsic (advanced age, history of falls and fractures, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, reduced muscle strength, balance, gait and proprioception impairments, polypharmacy, chronic diseases and fear of falling) and extrinsic, with emphasis on home environment risks, such as non-slip rugs, absence of grab bars in the bathroom and inadequate lighting. Conclusion: Falls in older women are a multifactorial event, and early identification of risk factors allows directing physiotherapeutic prevention strategies, including muscle strengthening, balance and gait training, environmental adaptation and guidance, contributing to the maintenance of functional independence and quality of life.