Exercício físico e envelhecimento: percepções de mulheres de meia idade

Abstract

Population aging is a reality resulting from social, economic and health transformations. Women represent a portion of the population with greater vulnerability as they age, which requires preventive care and greater possibilities for social participation. In this context, physical exercise is essential for active aging. This research aimed understand the per- ception of middle-aged women about the aging process and its relationship with physical exercise. The research was qualitative-quantitative and descriptive, using interviews with 11 women who regularly exercise and live in the city of Governador Valadares - MG. The data were analyzed using the Content Analysis technique and discussed in dialogue with updated literature on the subject. It was concluded that the majority of women participating in this research understand that they are in the aging process, recognize the physical changes imposed by this process, and understand that regular physical exercise is a be- neficial tool to deal with these changes. The research elucidates the main challenges they face in maintaining regular physical exercise, such as: intrinsic motivation, the need to reconcile work time and domestic care routine time. It identifies the need for Physical Education professionals to be attentive to humanized and specialized care, which takes into account the peculiarities of middle-aged women. It identifies that the interest in bo- dybuilding is predominant, followed by aerobic exercises and functional training, and that the main reason for practicing physical exercises is to improve health conditions, followed by aesthetics and promoting quality of life. It is pointed out that there is a need for studies related to the work of physical education professionals with this portion of the population, in order to understand the main challenges they face and their strategies for addressing them.