Introduction: This study aimed to determine the association between the physical, social, and cognitive characteristics of acute admitted older individuals who were living independently and their discharge destination. Method: Retrospective study including consecutive older individuals who were acutely admitted to a university hospital (N=49). Apart from sociodemographic and medical characteristics, measurements of physical and cognitive functioning were done at admission or shortly thereafter, including the Katz-ADL, handgrip strength, Timed-Up-and-Go test, 4-Meter-Walk Test and the Six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT). Comparisons of the characteristics of patients either or not discharged home were done by univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 49 patients (mean age 81 years, 49% female), 29 (59%) were discharged home. In the univariate comparisons, patients who were not discharged home were statistically significantly older, less often admitted for infection, and had worse scores on all measures of physical and cognitive functioning. In the multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, only a worse Katz-ADL score was associated with not being discharged home. Conclusion: In hospitalized older individuals, older age, aberrant cognitive and physical functioning at admission was associated with not being discharged home, while in the multivariable analysis only the association for the Katz-ADL remained.