Dança e envelhecimento: uma investigação qualitativa

Abstract

Population aging is a hallmark of the current global demographic dynamic. Research and actions on human aging have focused on increasing life expectancy and improving health through the practice of physical exercises, which aim to maintain the functional capacity and independence of the elderly. According to this view, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of physical exercise on elderly dance practitioners, the motivation and reasons for the permanence of elderly women in dance practice, analyzing their narratives from the physical, psycho-emotional and social aspects. This is a qualitative, cross-sectional and descriptive investigation. Participated in the research elderly women, between 70 and 85 years, dance practitioners in four gyms, in the city of Juiz de Fora/MG. Structured interviews were carried out, analyzed according to the Content Analysis method. The results showed, in the physical aspect, improvements in flexibility, balance and locomotion, due to the reduction of muscle and joint stiffness, and reduction of chronic pain. In the psycho-emotional aspect, motivation was linked to feelings of joy and disinhibition, positive self-perception and improvement in depression and even greater connection with spirituality. In the social aspect, the importance of social interaction and the strengthening of affective bonds in the group and the perception of less loneliness were highlighted. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the knowledge of professionals who work with the elderly and the general population about the benefits of dancing by reducing the negative physical, psycho-emotional and social impacts resulting from the aging process.