WATER AEROBICS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

 Population aging has intensified in recent decades, bringing new challenges to the fields of health and quality of life. In this context, regular physical activity becomes essential for maintaining autonomy, functional capacity and well-being among older adults. Among the most recommended exercise modalities for this population is water aerobics, as it is performed in an aquatic environment that provides lower joint impact and greater safety during movement execution. The aim of this study was to analyze, through a bibliographic review, the main benefits of water aerobics for the health and quality of life of the elderly population. The methodology was characterized as a qualitative exploratory research based on the analysis of scientific articles, books and academic publications available in databases such as SciELO, Google Scholar and PubMed, published between 2015 and 2025. The results found in the literature indicate that water aerobics significantly contributes to improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, increased muscular strength and endurance, as well as improvements in balance, flexibility and joint mobility. In addition, important psychological and social benefits were identified, including improved self-esteem, reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms, and greater social interaction among participants. It is concluded that water aerobics represents an important strategy for health promotion and active aging, contributing to the improvement of quality of life among older adults.