The increasing elderly population presents a significant challenge to health and social systems worldwide. Frailty is recognized as a condition that can substantially impact the quality of life, autonomy, and independence of older adults, elevating the risk of adverse events and hospitalization.

To identify the impacts and factors associated with hospitalization among elderly individuals living in the community.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study conducted in a community assisted by a Family Health Team. The sample consisted of 202 elderly individuals, aged 60 years or older, of both sexes. Structured questionnaires developed by the researchers were used to collect data on personal information, socio-environmental factors, and risk factors for frailty. Physical assessments were conducted using tests based on frailty conceptual models, including Fried’s phenotype and the Edmonton Frail Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test.

Of the 202 patients evaluated, 39 (19.3%) had been hospitalized in the previous 12 months, with an average of more than one hospitalization (1.69). It is important to highlight that the group of patients with hospitalizations had more falls (average of 2.61 versus 0.72) in the last 12 months, lower handgrip strength (24 kg/f versus 27 kg/f), and lower walking speed (1.38 m/s versus 1.51 m/s). In addition, significant correlations were found between hospitalizations in the last 12 months and the number of falls, forgetting to take their medication, unintentional weight loss, difficulty in carrying out daily activities, inability to carry out their tasks, number of medical appointments, and having a caregiver.

From this sample, it can be stated that having had hospitalizations in the last year can significantly affect the adaptability capacity, possibly with major impacts on the perception of quality of life, and on functional aspects and risks of falls, with worse outcomes and higher risk for a new hospitalization. Furthermore, for this sample, the number of hospitalizations was directly related to the fact of having a caregiver.

In physiotherapy practice, the need for integrated post-hospital interventions stands out, encompassing functional rehabilitation, fall prevention strategies, and emotional support, in addition to preventing re-hospitalizations, with a focus on Primary Health Care. Health management should prioritize continuous care for older adults with a history or risk of hospitalizations, implementing programs for muscle strengthening, mobility, and disability prevention. Physiotherapy professionals' training should adopt an approach that considers the physical, psychological, and social aspects of patients. Finally, public policies need to strengthen support for caregivers, recognizing their crucial role in the recovery and well-being of this population.