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Publicação
Promoção da atividade física ao ar livre numa população envelhecida: um estudo qualitativo na comunidade albicastrense
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O envelhecimento populacional em Portugal coloca desafios significativos à promoção do bem-estar e da autonomia da população envelhecida, exigindo intervenções que integrem dimensões físicas, emocionais e sociais. A atividade física regular, especialmente em ambientes naturais, surge como uma estratégia eficaz para promover saúde, participação e qualidade de vida. O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender as perceções e significados atribuídos pela população envelhecida à prática de exercício físico ao ar livre, no contexto do Programa Transformar, desenvolvido em Castelo Branco. Recorreu-se a uma abordagem qualitativa, com entrevistas semiestruturadas a dez participantes (49 72 anos), posteriormente analisadas através de análise temática indutiva. Os resultados revelaram quatro dimensões centrais: saúde física, bem-estar emocional, interação social e hábitos de vida. Os participantes relataram melhorias na mobilidade, na força e na autonomia, associadas a uma maior sensação de vitalidade e equilíbrio emocional. A prática em grupo foi percecionada como promotora de pertença, motivação e apoio social, enquanto o contacto com a natureza contribuiu para sensações de tranquilidade, prazer e motivação intrínseca. Identificaram-se ainda mudanças comportamentais sustentadas, como a incorporação de rotinas de movimento no quotidiano. Conclui-se que o exercício ao ar livre constitui uma prática integradora e promotora de envelhecimento ativo, com potencial para influenciar positivamente a qualidade de vida em múltiplas dimensões. O estudo oferece contributos relevantes para o desenho de programas comunitários centrados no bem-estar global e nas necessidades específicas da população envelhecida.
Abstract: Population aging in Portugal poses significant challenges to promoting the well being and autonomy of the elderly population, requiring interventions that integrate physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Regular physical activity, especially in natural environments, emerges as an effective strategy to promote health, participation, and quality of life. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and meanings attributed by elderly people to the practice of outdoor physical exercise, within the context of the Transformar Program, developed in Castelo Branco. A qualitative approach was used, with semi-structured interviews with ten participants (49–72 years old), subsequently analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. The results revealed four central dimensions: physical health, emotional well-being, social interaction, and lifestyle habits. Participants reported improvements in mobility, strength, and autonomy, associated with a greater sense of vitality and emotional balance. Group practice was perceived as promoting belonging, motivation, and social support, while contact with nature contributed to feelings of tranquility, pleasure, and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, sustained behavioral changes were identified, such as the incorporation of movement routines into daily life. It is concluded that outdoor exercise constitutes an integrative practice that promotes active aging, with the potential to positively influence quality of life in multiple dimensions. The study offers relevant contributions to the design of community programs focused on overall well-being and the specific needs of the elderly population.
Abstract: Population aging in Portugal poses significant challenges to promoting the well being and autonomy of the elderly population, requiring interventions that integrate physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Regular physical activity, especially in natural environments, emerges as an effective strategy to promote health, participation, and quality of life. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and meanings attributed by elderly people to the practice of outdoor physical exercise, within the context of the Transformar Program, developed in Castelo Branco. A qualitative approach was used, with semi-structured interviews with ten participants (49–72 years old), subsequently analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. The results revealed four central dimensions: physical health, emotional well-being, social interaction, and lifestyle habits. Participants reported improvements in mobility, strength, and autonomy, associated with a greater sense of vitality and emotional balance. Group practice was perceived as promoting belonging, motivation, and social support, while contact with nature contributed to feelings of tranquility, pleasure, and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, sustained behavioral changes were identified, such as the incorporation of movement routines into daily life. It is concluded that outdoor exercise constitutes an integrative practice that promotes active aging, with the potential to positively influence quality of life in multiple dimensions. The study offers relevant contributions to the design of community programs focused on overall well-being and the specific needs of the elderly population.
Descrição
Dissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Atividade Física.
Palavras-chave
Atividade física População envelhecida Exercício ao ar livre Qualidade de vida Envelhecimento saudável Physical activity Elderly population Outdoor exercise Quality of life Healthy aging