As diferenças de percepção das relações de gênero no envelhecimento de casais fisicamente ativos

Abstract

Experiencing a healthy aging process, including maintaining good habits, socializing and engaging in some physical activity seems to be one of the options with a positive impact to approach longevity surrounded by well-being and quality of life. This phase, so marked by socio-cultural stigmas and where the marks of time insist on appearing. Thus, the objective was to analyze the differences in the perception of gender relations in the aging of physically active couples. To this end, a qualitative research approach was used. After approval by the Ethics Committee, we intentionally selected couples who were in the aging process and engaged in some type of physical activity. Eight heterosexual couples, aged between 53 and 79 years, white, upper and upper middle class participated in the investigation. In-depth semi- structured interviews were carried out, individually, which were recorded on a digital device, transcribed literally and after being organized and analyzed with the aid of the Nvivo 12 software. From the results, two articles emerged, the first aimed to know the perceptions of heterosexual couples physically active regarding the aging process. The results showed that the perceptions are plural, there were no differences between men and women. The elderly have healthy lifestyle habits, report some fears and limitations, but, above all, they refer to positive and optimistic perceptions regarding the aging process. The second article aimed to know the motivations that guided the choices of physical activities, identifying their benefits, in addition to understanding how they managed the bodily transformations arising from the aging process. The results obtained showed that the choices of body practices are multiple, predominantly individual in women and collective and individual in men. They remained motivated, and, regarding body changes, most of them felt at ease with their body in relation to their partner and without suffering media influence, however some interviewees reported some inconveniences. There were some differences in gender relations, regarding the choice of practices and bodily changes. It was concluded that the research had a group engaged in the promotion and prevention of health, it is assumed that because they are better purchasing powers, health plans and high levels of education, they are, therefore, with more access and surrounded by care. Showing that aging is multifaceted and that limitations are part of aging, but can be circumvented, it is enough to have access to health, social circle and live physically active. The theme is relevant for bringing reports of people motivated with the regular practice of physical activity and, positive in the face of body changes, which helps to demystify the negative image, created by common sense, about aging.