FEITOS E PERFIL POPULACIONAL DE IDOSOS NA PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADES FÍSICAS EM PORTO VELHO – RONDÔNIA

Abstract

The elderly population has been growing significantly over the years, and with this, there has also been a growing concern about ensuring that these individuals have an active and healthy life. Physical activity is one of the main ways to promote health and quality of life in old age, as it can prevent and treat various health conditions, in addition to improving physical and cognitive function. Based on this, this article aims to analyze the importance of physical activity for health and the benefits that the activity provides to the elderly. The study is descriptive and quantitative in nature and was carried out in the city of Porto Velho, Rondônia, at the Physiotherapy Clinic of the São Lucas Educational Center and SESC/RO Social Service of Commerce Rondônia. It is important to note that the study included male and female elderly people, aged 60 years and older. In addition, two questionnaires were used to produce the data: one about general information based on daily habits and a description of physical exercises and the benefits achieved. Complementary data information about risk factors, weight, height and lifestyle changes. It is worth noting that a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied, along with a functional test scale to assess the physical fitness of the elderly, the Berg Balance Scale and the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly. And the guardians signed the free and informed consent form (ICF). The data were collected through the evaluation instruments that were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel program for statistical analysis. The research evaluated 60 participants, predominantly women (93.3%), aged between 60 and 90 years, most living in the urban area. In terms of health, 31 of the participants reported regular perception and 62% had 2 to 3 comorbidities. The majority did not smoke (58 participants) and did not consume alcohol (52 of the 60 participants). Regarding Covid-19, 31 had been infected, but only 1 required intubation. On the Berg Scale, 98.3% of the elderly demonstrated good balance when standing for 2 minutes without support, and 44 of 60 were able to pick up objects from the floor independently. However, 60% suffered two or more falls and 40% reported moderate or extreme fear of falling, while 30% had difficulty standing on one leg for 3 seconds or more. These data reveal a predominance of good functional capacities, but with significant limitations in relation to falls and comorbidities. The completion of this study contributed to a greater understanding of the importance of physical activity in the lives of the elderly, considering that physical activity is an element that can contribute to the promotion of health, physical and mental well-being and functional capacity of the elderly, demonstrating that regular exercise not only improves muscle strength and balance, but also significantly reduces the risk of falls, one of the main challenges faced by this population. The data obtained highlight the need for interventions that encourage physical activity, since many elderly people consider themselves active, but only a minority performs exercises regularly. Therefore, the implementation of physical exercise programs is essential to prevent chronic diseases, improve quality of life and promote functional independence among the elderly, contributing to healthy and active aging.