Qualidade de vida dos idosos que praticam atividades culturais e desportivas

Objectives: The aim of this paper was to investigate the importance of cultural and sportive practices in relation to the quality of life of the elderly. The research involved 50 elderly served in programs of cultural and sportive practices developed in SESC Santana, located in São Paulo. The population¿s quality of life was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire, a general instrument to measure the quality of life related to health that is valid for Brazilian population. Analyzing the results, it was possible to conclude that 90% of them affirm to have between a very good and excellent functional capacity, 10% have physical limitations, 72% relate some painful episodes, 90% have a general health state between very good and excellent, 72% have preserved their vitality, 20% present limitations of emotional aspects and 90% have an evident state of mental health between very good and excellent. This study indicates that the participation in cultural and sportive practices increases the quality of life of the elderly because it promotes their physical and mental well being, besides guaranteeing social and emotional balance