Introduction: Falls are one of the most important geriatric syndromes; three out of ten older adults (OA) fall once a year, and more than 50% of these falls take place in the home. The objective of the present study was to analyze the presence, interaction and involvement of environmental risk factors (ERF) and behavioral risk factors (BRF) for falls, in living spaces; and to verify whether modifications regarding risk factors had been implemented by older adult fallers (OAF) who underwent preventive treatment. Development: The sample included 129 independent older adults, both fallers and non-fallers, from the city of Mar del Plata. Data were collected using an assessment tool, through direct observation in living spaces. The data were analyzed by applying a scale of Risk Factor Presence (High - Medium - Low). The results showed that ERF and BRF were present and interacted in different areas and under certain conditions (which according to the present study were involved in three to four of every five falls in the home). It was found that the OA had difficulties in identifying the risk factors presented and, even when such risks were identified, modifications were not necessarily implemented. The conclusions from the present study will serve as a basis for defining and implementing re-education regarding habits and behavioral patterns, for adaptation of living spaces, as indispensable prerequisites for preventing falls. Key words: Aged; accidental falls; accidents home; risk factors El artículo completo fue publicado en dos versiones: una en inglés que se adjunta, y otra en castellano. La última además está en internet .