INTRODUCTION: Environmental factors are critical determinants of healthy aging, directly impacting social participation and independence. PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of environmental barriers and facilitators on the functioning of community-dwelling older adults, using standardized instruments that allow for a quantitative and multidimensional evaluation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults (age > 60 years). Instruments included the Measure of the Quality of the Environment (MQE), Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 - Brazilian Older Adult version (WHODAS-B.O), and the ICF Core Set for Physical Health in Older Adults. RESULTS: = .008). CONCLUSION: Physical environmental barriers and political obstacles are key drivers of activity restrictions, whereas strong social networks act as a significant facilitator against disability in older adults. Physiotherapy practice must transition toward a biopsychosocial approach that incorporates systematic environmental and social assessments within home-based and community rehabilitation. Interventions should prioritize the mitigation of physical barriers and the integration of social support systems and assistive technology to effectively reduce disability levels and optimize community participation in this population.
Alflen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.