Perfil do estilo de vida de idosos praticantes de caminhada na orla marítima de João Pessoa - PB

Abstract

It has recently been perceived that Brazil has presented a new demographic pattern with a considerable increase in the number of elderly, although it is still necessary to add quality of life to the years gained by this population. The present study aimed to establish the profile of the lifestyle of elderly walkers on the seafront of João Pessoa - PB. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 45 elderly, walkers from seafront of Joao Pessoa, 20 males (70.7 ± 7.9 years) and 25 females (67.5 ± 6.0 years). The study variable was the individual lifestyle, identified from a questionnaire called the Pentacle of Well-being, with questions about physical activity, nutrition, stress management, preventive behaviors and relationships ranging from zero to three Points, being considered for analysis the average values, being "0" and "1", negative indices; And, "2" and "3", positive. RESULTS: The life style found the following profile: domains that presented all averages of all positive scores were: nutrition (A = 2.6 ± 0.5, B = 2.8 ± 0.5, C = 2.6 ± 0.6); Preventive behaviors (G = 2.8 ± 0.5, H = 2.6 ± 0.6, I = 3.00); Relationships (J = 2.7 ± 0.8, K = 2.0 ± 1.1, L = 2.5 ± 0.8); And, stress control (M = 2.8 ± 0.6, N = 2.1 ± 0.9, O = 2.8 ± 0.4). The physical activity domain had a positive score (D = 2.9 ± 0.2;) and two negative (E = 1.8 ± 1.2; F = 1.8 ± 1.1). Conclusion: The elderly presented in most dimensions a healthy lifestyle, except for the practice of physical activity that demonstrated in two aspects did not meet the requirement for health. In this sense, despite the fact that they seek an active lifestyle in the practice of walking, the profile found in this dimension is worrying, since other behaviors related to physical activity are being neglected and in the long term may negatively influence the quality of life and the practice of Physical activity practiced.