Life purpose before and during the covid-19 pandemic in elderly physical activity practitioners in the interior of Amazonas state: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Introduction: the aging that happens in the world is already a reality in remote and fast areas of the interior of Amazonas; with the population increasing each day more longevous, it is necessary to understand the aging process in these regions where the practice of physical activity is a reality, it was described the presence of life purpose in a group of older people who practice physical activity in the community. Objective: we investigated the presence of life purpose in older people who practiced physical activity before and during the covid-19 pandemic in the interior of Amazonas. Methods: this longitudinal study was conducted with 63 older people who practiced physical activity in a group before and during the covid 19 pandemic in the countryside of Amazonas. Sociodemographic and health characteristics were assessed, as well as well-being and life direction, through the life purpose questionnaire. Results: the elderly in this study have been followed since 2019; before the covid 19 pandemic struck the world, they practiced regular physical activity and had to temporarily suspend their training during the critical period of the pandemic. The group is composed mainly of older adults between the ages of 60 and 79; most are illiterate, have an income of not even one minimum wage, report living with someone, and say their vision as the regular or poor yet still present presence of life purpose and life direction. Conclusion: during the Covid-19 pandemic and social isolation, the elderly had a reduced perception of purpose in life, although they reported joy and satisfaction with life.