Aim To investigate the lifestyles, physical performance and quality of life (QOL) of frail and robust Brazilian community‐dwelling older women, and to identify risk factors for frailty. Methods Frailty was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. Lifestyles were assessed using a questionnaire. Physical performance was assessed by measuring walking speeds, performance on the one‐leg stand test and the five‐times chair stand test and handgrip strength. QOL was assessed using the Short Form‐8 questionnaire. Participants were divided into frail and robust groups based on their total Kihon Checklist scores. Results A total of 109 participants (age 70.8 ± 6.87 years) were included in this study (robust n = 85, frail n = 24). Differences in living structures (P < 0.001), financial satisfaction (P = 0.004) and the frequencies with which participants leave the house (P < 0.001) were found between groups. The frail group had more fallers (P = 0.047), and lower engagement in physical activity (P = 0.044), lower body mass indices (P = 0.043) and poorer nutritional status (P = 0.002), whereas robust older people showed better physical performance (walking speed P < 0.001, one‐leg stand P = 0.021, handgrip strength P = 0.002) and higher QOL scores (general health P = 0.005, role‐physical P = 0.013, bodily pain P = 0.002, vitality P = 0.001, social functioning P = 0.001, role‐emotional P = 0.008). Multivariate regression analysis identified a slow usual walking speed and bodily pain as risk factors for frailty. Conclusions Frail participants had higher indices for being housebound, and having financial dissatisfaction, a sedentary lifestyle, falls, and malnutrition. Furthermore, they showed poorer physical performance and QOL. An early, well‐focused approach is crucial, especially for older adults who walk slowly and have bodily pain to preserve health and QOL. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 829–835.