Barreiras percebidas por idosos para a prática de atividade física de lazer: um estudo observacional

Abstract

The study investigated the barriers perceived by older adults to the practice of leisure-time physical activity. The convenience sample consisted of 10 women and 11 men aged 60 or over. All were interviewed at home, during October 2023. The older adults answered four questionnaires: on sociodemographic characteristics and health history; Mini Mental State Examination to assess cognitive function; International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess the level of physical activity; Barriers to Physical Activity in the Elderly Questionnaire to assess barriers to leisure-time physical activity. Most of the older adults in the sample reported that they never notice the barriers that were indicated on the form. When frequency classifications were highlighted between always, often and sometimes, 4.8% to 28.6% of participants perceived barriers, most of which were intrapersonal, such as fear of practicing, having pain or illness, or not liking something. physical activity. Still, women seem to perceive more barriers than men. Future studies, with larger samples, should be carried out to deepen knowledge about barriers perceived by the elderly in Fortaleza (CE).