Abstract

MAZO, G Z; MOTA, J; GONCALVES, LHT  and  MATOS, MG. Physical activity levels, health conditions and socio-demographic characteristics of Brazilian elderly women. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2005, vol.5, n.2, pp.202-212. ISSN 1645-0523.

The aim of this study was to verify the level of physical activity and the relationship between  socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions of elderly women. Sample size comprises 198 elderly women aged 65 years and older (M=73.6 years; DP=5.9), that participated in a special program in Florianópolis city, SC, Brazil. Data was collected by individual interview, and the information obtained relates to: 1) Identification form with socio-demographic and health conditions data; 2) International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), version 8, extended form and normal week; 3) Questionnaire of  Economic Classification Criteria of Brazil. Data was analyzed through the descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Results showed that 66% of the elderly women were classified in the most active level of physical activity, and the most practiced physical activities, according to the research, were housework (40%) and leisure activities (35%). It was verified that there is a significant difference (p<0.05) between physical activity levels (more and less active) and the socio-demographic and health condition variables. Finally, it can be concluded that there is still a necessity to reinforce the intervention in this reality, stimulating the less active elderly to become more active, and the most active ones to remain in this condition.

Keywords : physical activity; elderly women; socio-demographic characteristics; health conditions.

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