Qualidade de vida dos idosos praticantes de hidroginástica

Abstract

Nowadays we can observe that the elderly population is increasingly inserted in exercise programs for a search for improvement in the quality of life. In this context, the practice of water aerobics has been an activity much sought after by the elderly population. The objective of this study was to analyze the quality of life of elderly practicing water aerobics in the city of Natal / RN. A total of 65 elderly women (71.7 ± 3.0 years) practicing Hydrogynastics for at least one year were evaluated. To verify quality of life measures, we used the WHOQOL-OLD. The results showed that in no facet that composes the quality of life, the average scores transformed for the group were positioned below 50%. On the other hand, no facet presented an average value higher than the third quartile (75%). Thus, all six facets (Sensory Functioning, Autonomy, Past/Present/Future Activities, Social Participation, Death / Dying and Intimacy) and Global Quality of Life were also between 50% and 75% for transformed scores. Based on findings that support the idea that sedentary elders present scores that are frequently below 50%, we can assume that the practice of Hydrogynastics is a factor that may be contributing to better results in this population, with emphasis on Sensory Functioning and Social Participation.