Objective To estimate the prevalence of fractures and falls from elderly living under poverty conditions in Mexico, as well as to determine associated factors to fractures.

Methods and Materials A three stages probabilistic survey, stratified by community type (rural or urban) and nationally representative was conducted. The objective population was formed by individuals with 70 years old and more, who are beneficiaries from Oportunidades program.

Results Mean age was 78.4 years, and 56.5% were women. From the total interviews, 61.2% of the elderly reported not to know how to write or read; being this more prevalent in women than in men (69.7% vs 50.3% respectively). 47.1% of women and 31.7% of men reported had fallen in the last 2 years before the interview. The prevalence of fractures any bone including hip-after 50 years of age was 20.6% for women and 14.2% for men. Having bone diseases (OR 1.41), having osteoporosis (OR 1.73), having at least one difficulty to do daily life basic activities (OR 1.34) and being a woman (OR 1.51) are factors related to fracture presence in elderly.

Conclusion The necessity of healthcare in elderly is shown due to the high prevalence of falls and fractures.