Sociodemographic variables as factors involved in the motivation, self-esteem and body dissatisfaction of elderly women practicing water aerobics

Abstract

Objective: To compare the motivation, self-esteem and body dissatisfaction of elderly women practicing water aerobics as a function of sociodemographic variables.

Materials and methods: a crosssectional study involving 70 elderly women, who answered the Rosemberg Self-Esteem and Stunkard Silhouette scales and Exercise Motivation Inventory-2. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p <0.05).

Results: Younger elderly women had higher self-esteem than older women. Those who do not have a partner are more motivated for disease prevention, physical appearance and stress control than older women with a partner. Those with a monthly income of up to two minimum wages and retired women had higher scores in all motivating factors. Older women with complete elementary school are more motivated for physical condition, weight control, physical appearance and fun than those with incomplete elementary school and complete high school.

Conclusion: It was concluded that marital status, monthly income and education are factors that influence the motivation for the exercise of the elderly, while age was shown to be intervening in self-esteem.