Physical activity, life purpose of community active elderly people: a cross-section study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity performed on a regular basis is highly effective in delaying the physiological decline of the aging process, maintains and optimizes physical capacity, improves functionality and has an impact on the purpose of life in old age. OBJECTIVE: characterize and describe sociodemographic, physical and life purpose conditions in a group of elderly regular physical activity practitioners within the Amazon region. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with active elderly people who perform physical activity in their communities at least 3 times a week around 50 minutes. These were evaluated using validated questionnaires and scales: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Test, Life Purpose, Short Physical Performance and Battery Test (SPPB), Functional Comorbidity Index, Numerical Pain Scale and data were collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 36 participants, 100% are from the interior of Amazonas state; 28 (77%) survive on monthly minimum wage income; 27 (75%) reported feeling pain in some part of the body and 21 (58.3%) presented overweight or obesity grade; 1, 33 (91.6%) say they feel good when they think of the past and in the future. CONCLUSION: In spite of the grief of feeling pain, of low income and low education, the elderly engage in physical activity that is beneficial as physical maintenance, reduction in depressive symptoms and perceived motivation, satisfaction and happiness in living.