PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLD AGE: IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the impact of physical activity on the lives of older adults participating in a physical activity group at a Primary Health Care Unit in southern Tocantins. This is an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, developed through semi-structured interviews conducted between April and June 2025. The sample consisted of nine older adults who had participated in the group for at least two months, with a minimum frequency of twice a week. From the analysis, four thematic categories emerged: activities of daily living, mental health and socialization, motivation to engage in physical activity, and benefits for life. It was found that regular participation in group physical activity provides significant benefits for older adults, having a comprehensive impact on their physical, mental, and social health. The exercises contribute to the control of chronic diseases and the reduction of pain, promote greater energy, autonomy, and functional capacity, enabling participants to perform daily tasks more easily, strengthen self-esteem, improve mood, and reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and frustration. It is concluded that active aging, combined with the collective practice of exercise, represents an effective strategy for promoting quality of life and overall well-being in older adulthood.