PERFIL SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO, PERCEÇÃO DE SAÚDE E DO ENVELHECIMENTO E PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA EM ADULTOS COM 55 E MAIS ANOS.

Introduction: Population aging is pointed out as a demographically crucial phenomenon of the 21st century. With the increase in the comorbidities associated with aging, the challenge arises to make the elderly functionally independent, having physical activity (PA) an important role, for delaying the functional losses of aging at the multisystemic level. Objective: To identify sociodemographic and aging perception characteristics related to the practice of physical activity. Materials and methods: A study was conducted from the databases of the PerSoParAge project (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-023678) whose collections were made in strategic and diversified locations in the municipalities of Sabugal, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Portalegre and Elvas. The sample size (n=486) is representative of the population and is made up of 2 sub-samples of the age groups 55 to 64 years (n=161) and 65 years and over (n=323). Results: PA practitioners make a more positive assessment of mental/emotional status and health status when they practice more than 3 times a week. PA practitioners are less limited in activities of daily living. The increase in age leads to a decrease in the practice of PA. Men. With social support, who live with someone, married or in union of facts, more educated and with higher income practice in higher percentage PA. Positive perceptions of aging are associated with a higher percentage of PA practice. Of the participants recognize the importance of PA practice, only 67,8% practice PA. Conclusions: The sociodemographic and perception characteristics of aging are related to the regular practice of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]