Percepção de idosas sobre os benefícios da prática de hidroginástica na saúde

Abstract

To analyze the perception of older women who practice water aerobics about the benefits of practicing this modality on their health. This is a cross- sectional observational study, of a quantitative-qualitative descriptive type. Women aged 60 or over, practicing water aerobics for at least three months, from Rede Cuca (Mondubim neighborhood) and Academia Espaço Harmonico (Montese neighborhood), in Fortaleza - CE, were invited to participate in the sample. A questionnaire was applied to collect sociodemographic and health data. A recorded interview was also carried out with three open questions about the perception of the health benefits of water aerobics. 25 women, with a mean age of 70.6 ± 7.2, were included in the sample, with 88% having two or more chronic diseases. Older women practice water aerobics 2 to 3 times a week, and the majority have already practiced water aerobics for more than 2 years (64%). A total of 96% of respondents point to health as the main motivational factor for the practice. Before water aerobics, the elderly women rated their health as fair. After engaging in the water aerobics program, they rated their health as good or very good. Older women seem to perceive water aerobics as a practice that benefits their health, highlighting the improvement in carrying out activities of daily living, health problems and health.