Motivation for the practice of physical activity in elderly people of the municipality of Caninde, Ceara

Abstract

It is known that in the present day the search for the practice of physical activity during the aging process has increased and this is due to social, physiological or psychological factors. This great quest should not only happen in the third age, but rather from the search for improvements in the life of any person, at any stage, that seeks their own well-being. The objective of this study is to analyze the reasons for the physical activity practice of the elderly in the municipality of Canindé - Ceará. The research is quantitative in nature and has an exploratory approach, in which a motivational inventory for the practice of physical activity (IMPRAF) was applied in order to evaluate the motivation of the elderly to participate in groups of physical activities. The results indicate that the dimensions that most marked as motivation that lead the elderly to practice physical activities were: health, socialization and pleasure. These three factors directly influence the quality of their lives. Thus, the study shows that this practice becomes important not only as maintenance of the health of these elderly, but also as a positive psychosocial collaboration.