The influence of systematized physical activity on the self-perception of the aged in relation to everyday activities

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of systematized physical activity, such as hydrogymnastic, on the self-perception of the aged in relation to everyday activities. The sample consisted of 40 women aged over 50 years old. Twenty women from the sample attended hydrogymnastic classes twice a week, and the other 20 did not have physical activity, i.e., they were sedentary. The research was characterized as descriptive, and as measuring instrument it was used a 40-question questionnaire proposed by Andreotti and Okuma (apud MATSUDO, 2000), which refers to the various activities in the aged daily routine. The data obtained was treated using the scale proposed by Andreotti and Okuma ( apud MATSUDO,2000), the descriptive statistic and Student’s “t” test . The data from those who attended hydrogymnastic classes regularly for a year or more were compared with the data from the sedentary women. The results showed that those individuals who practiced physical activity showed improvement in relation to their physical, social and psychological aspects. They received “very good” concept, the highest score in the scale proposed in the study, whereas the sedentary women received “good” concept. There was significant statistic difference p < 0.05 between the group of active aged and the sedentary. It was concluded that the program of systematized physical activities- hydrogymnastic - helps to maintain the autonomy of the aged in relation to their everyday activities, and that the aged noticed the benefits provided by physical activity. Such results interfere positively in the quality of life of the aged.