Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of falls in the elderly and the presence of polypharmacy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a center of the elderly in a city in the countryside of the state of São Paulo. The following criteria were used: The independent or partially dependent elderly, aged 60 years or older, of both sexes, with preserved cognitive capacity were considered able to participate in the research, and the elderly with any type of dementia and bedridden were excluded. Data collection was performed through the application of a fall identification questionnaire and a Downton scale. Results: The study consisted of 20 elderly individuals, 45% of whom were females. About 90% of the elderly reported falling in the previous year and 60% presented polypharmacy. Conclusion: The fall has become a serious public health problem, such an event to be prevented, requires qualified professionals to deal with this population, therefore, the identification of predictors of falls can contribute to the reduction of this event.