This cross-sectional study, to determine the prevalence of falls in older adults living at home, and to identify the level of dependence in activities of daily living among those who fell and those who did not, was conducted using a two-stage cluster sample of 230 individuals of both sexes, aged over 70 years, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, in 2013. Social profile, falls, Lawton & Brody scale and Katz Index were investigated. Falls were identified in 37.8% (1-7, SD=1.0) of individuals interviewed. Falls were more prevalent among women (25.2%), and younger individuals (23%). No association was found between falls and instrumental activities of daily living, although there was an association between falls and activities of daily living, as those who fell were more dependent on these activities. The study of these activities is suggested as a strategy to prevent falls.