Benefícios da prática da hidroginástica para idosos no projeto de extensão da UFRPE

Abstract

This research aims at analyzing the benefits of hydrogymnastics practice and seeks to answer the following question: What are the benefits of the regular practice of hydrogymnastics for the elderly in the extension project "Elderly and the practice of aquatic activities" carried out at UFRPE in a partnership between the Pro-Rectory of Extension and the Department of Physical Education. In the search for answers, we outline the following general and specific objectives: to analyze the benefits of regular practice of hydrogymnastics in the UFRPE extension project; to identify the concept, origin and benefits of hydrogymnastics in the literature; analyze the objectives of an extension project and according to them identify the benefits obtained in the project by the elderly and their social relevance. The methodology consists of an empirical research, carried out with the group of members that integrate the project in question. Altogether, there are 35 elderly people between 60 and 79 years old. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire of 11 (eleven) questions, answered by all, in which we were able to learn about the reasons why these individuals sought the water gymnastics classes, changes in sleep quality before and after the beginning of the practices, taking medications, the benefits that the classes were bringing and how they evaluate the classes offered by the project. The instrument of data analysis was content analysis. The results point out that, most of those who are looking for water aerobics classes, do so aiming for an improvement in health and that improvement is one of the main benefits mentioned by them, especially when it comes to pain. They also mention a significant improvement in self-esteem. When asked about the degree of satisfaction, almost all seniors consider water aerobics classes to be very satisfactory. Thus, it was possible to perceive that the practice of hydrogymnastics by the elderly is important to improve health, provide well-being and increase the quality of life.