Representations of the elderly regarding physical activity practice in gym and fitness centre contexts: an exploratory study

Abstract

With the increase in average life expectancy, there are more and more elderly individuals in the world, leading to the ageing of the global population. Physical exercise is crucial for promoting health and quality of life for this population. This study aimed to understand the representations of elderly individuals regarding physical activity in gym and fitness contexts, identify the types of practices developed there, and investigate their aspirations concerning these activities. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, and the analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques. The results revealed that the majority of elderly individuals engage in physical activity for health reasons and to maintain their physical condition, which provides them with a sense of well-being. Furthermore, it was found that women prefer water aerobics, while men choose weight training, with gyms being the most popular place for exercise due to the ideal conditions they offer. It was also noted that initiatives such as increased awareness of the importance of physical activity and improvements in transportation could serve as strategies to enhance their participation, considering that many of them still do not value such practices.