Square Stepping Exercise: a new kind of activity for elderly

The literature has shown the importance of preserving cognitive functions and components of functional capacity with aging, and programs that offer physical activity for the population are low-cost alternatives, and have positive impact on these aspects. The Physical Activity Program for Seniors is a program offered by Unesp, and aims to offer a physical activity program for older adults, in addition to providing undergraduate students the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in the community. Among the activities offered, which give the participants an improvement and / or maintenance of autonomy, health and social interaction, is the Square Stepping Exercise, an activity created in Japan to improve the balance of the elderly, but also requires great cognitive performance of its practitioners. Studies have shown that older people participation in physical and cognitive exercise collaborates for a healthy aging, so programs that promote the healthiness of the population are necessary.