Atividade física para a terceira idade

Abstract

Different terms can be used to describe the aging process, and it can be said that practically everyone seeks means to slow down this process. Along with the growing number of elderly people in the population, a significant increase in the incidence of several diseases and comorbidities that compromise the quality of life and autonomy of this group has been observed. The study aimed to investigate whether physical activity and physical exercise are effective in promoting improvement in the general health status and quality of life of elderly people. A bibliographic database search was carried out on research that investigated the quality of life of active and less active elderly people. Regular physical exercise and physical activity brought improvements in slowing aging, improved coordination, balance, cognition, and muscle strength in seniors who underwent weekly frequency training routines. The results represent relevant evidence about the behavior of the older population regarding participation in spontaneous physical activity in leisure time. This study showed that for the active elderly, self-perception of health status was more optimistic when compared to the inactive ones. The studies found in the literature involving the relationship of health status with the practice of physical activity show the same direction.