Meanings of physical activity practice for the elderly

Abstract

The current stage of civilization is distinguished by an increase of the number of elderly people, which results in the conduction of researches on the subject. Investigations about physical activity also rise, especially focusing on an epidemiological perspective. In this scenario, new studies bring alternatives to this hegemonic view, such as humanized physical activity. The present study has aimed to analyze the meanings of the practice for physically active elderly living in Fortaleza-Ce. Considering the scientific research method, a qualitative matrix has been the choice. Eighteen elderly men and women participated in the research, 12 females and six males, with a mean age of 69.8±6,92 years. The investigation was carried out in an association and in a private university, which have physical activity projects with the investigated public. For the data collection, in-depth interviews have been conducted, analyzed by the IRaMuTeQ software. As of the results, socialization, biological benefits, the daily move, the reduction of illnesses and a healthy life were the meanings the elderly have reported relating to the habit of physical activity. Therefore, it’s possible to infer that the speeches of those elderly have been run through by aspects of the epidemiologic perspective, keeping limited connections with the subjective point of view.