Análisis de la práctica del ejercicio físico en mujeres mayores como elemento para la equidad y la promoción de la salud

Resumen

Objectives: The general objective of this study was to analyze the physical exercise practice in older women as an element for equity and health promotion. The specific objectives were: to identify difficulties and motivations for the practice of physical exercise taking into account their personal experiences, idiosyncrasies of health, family and sociocultural context; to analyze the differences in the practice of women and men according to social determinants of health from a gender perspective; to understand the professional strategies used to promote physical activity practice in the community setting and; to understand the sociocultural construction that influences the practice. Methodology: A mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology has been developed in three research studies. On the one hand, a qualitative study, conducted between 2015 and 2016, based on phenomenological theory with two focus groups and five in-depth interviews. A qualitative analysis of the data was carried out through transcription, coding, categorization and verification of results. Participants were fifteen women with ages in the range 65-82 old. On the other hand, from November 2017 to January 2018, a descriptive study was developed using a primary database of participants in the ACTIVA-Murcia Therapeutic Physical Exercise Program in 2011 and 2012, with a prospective cohort, using secondary analysis with a gender perspective according to sex and age groups. The sample was 411 participants (62.3% women). And finally, a qualitative study with feminist socio-critical approach and gender perspective through three focus groups and two in-depth interviews was undertaken. An interpretative content analysis was carried out. Twenty-six professionals participated, including primary health care professionals, physical activity professionals and gender and health experts. Conclusions: Gender stereotypes and ageism give rise to differences in the physical activity practice among older women compared to the rest of the population, resulting in inequalities in their health and aging process. The physical exercise promotion in older women from an equity perspective requires a commitment with these health inequalities. Older women do not freely participate in physical activity because they cannot get rid of gender mandate and age stereotypes which can easily be mistaken for resistance, negativity or laziness. A gender and life course perspective is needed for comprehensive and equitable promotion. Not only empowerment strategies focused exclusively and unidirectionally on women are needed, but also transversal interventions in different areas to deconstruct stereotypes and spaces of power occupied by men and Young adult people. The environment interacts with older women conditioning participation in physical exercise and movement. It´s necessary to consider the social and community support the elderly women have access to where they live and interact, as well as the family system and changing possibilities within such socio-family context. Integral interventions of reflection and confrontation of those stereotypes that condition physical exercise should be contemplated, incorporating the idea that all women can find an exercise that adapts to their age, physical capacity and preferences that can be undertaken in any space and availability of time. A feminist approach in the physical exercise promotion would mobilize the change towards liberation from the rigidity of assigned roles and the practice in public spaces not legitimized for them until now, leading towards opportunities free of conditioning factors and stereotypes.