Atividade Física e Bem Estar Subjetivo: Um estudo com idosas de Juiz de Fora/ MG (Brasil)

Abstract

Aging could be described as a dynamic process, progressive and irreproachable. However, the objective of active aging is to raise the expectation of an healthy life and improve quality of life. Physical activity could delay functional decay, helping a better mental health and, in the majority of the cases, promoting social relationship. Currently, a factor strongly connected with health is the subjective well being, positively associated with the practice of physical activity. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the subjective well being with the practice of physical activity in a global form, and its relationship with various variables, such as the place of practice, with who practice, marital status, sport practice in the past and with who live. The following study involved 26 elderly women physically active resident in the city of Juiz de Fora/MG (Brazil), with age between 60 and 79 years old. Were asked questions about the practice of physical activity and socio demographic variables, and the subjective well being was evaluated using the adapted and translated version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale, (Diener et al., 1985);and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, (Watson et al., 1988). Happiness was evaluated with the adapted and translated version of the Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky S & Lepper H, 1999). To evaluate the decisions balance of elderly was used the translated and adapted version of Decision Balance Scale for Exercise (Nigg et al., 1998). Results analysis showed that elderly who practice physical activity in gym compared with elderly who practice in social center and elderly who practice physical activity sometimes alone and sometimes in group compared with elderly who practice alone or who practice in group has higher lever of subjective well being. Other variables without significant statistical differences showed tendencies for elderly who live alone to display lower levels of subjective well being and higher level of negative affects compared with elderly who live with partner or sons, and for elderly who practice sport in the past a tendency to report higher levels of positive affects and happiness compared with elderly who never practice sport in the past. With the evidences presented throughout this paper we can conclude that physical activity is relevant in influence levels of the subjective well being.