THE PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE AS HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION

Abstract

The regular practice of physical exercise is one of the main bases for maintaining health and quality of life, being able to combat the effects of aging and helping the elderly to maintain their physical fitness and functional capacity in good condition. The objective of this article is to demonstrate that the practice of physical exercise promotes benefits in the health of the elderly population and to identify the positive effects that the regular practice of physical activity exerts not only on longevity, but on the entire aging process, aiming to avoid diseases and increase the quality of life. Systematic literary review, through bibliographic research through the analysis of studies published between the years 2012 to 2022, the databases that supported this research were LILLACS, PubMed, Scielo and BVS. As an inclusion criterion, productions in Portuguese and that addressed the theme: “the practice of exercise in old age” were established. It is believed that the regular practice of gymnastics by the elderly is a great option for improving/maintaining physical abilities, with a direct influence on the functional fitness and quality of life of the elderly. Thus, the importance of pre-participation assessments was demonstrated, which should be required by physical education professionals before exercise prescriptions for this clientele, so that they can be planned more effectively, in addition to establishing short, medium and long-term goals. term.