Water gymnastics program for elderly: motivation, self-steam and self-image

Abstract

This research investigated self-esteem and self-image of older adults and its relationship with motivational factors of entering and staying in water exercise program (WEP). The sample was composed by 60 elderly subjects - 53 females and 7 males ( = 69.5 years of age, SD=5,9 yrs), participants of WEP at GETI (Study Group on Elderly) at the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC). A questionnaire of self-esteem and selfimage for elders, developed by Steglich (1978), was applied in form of interview. The statistical procedures included descriptives and non-parametric tests. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The majority of the group was considered as young elders (81,6%), married or widowed (43,3%), female (88,3%), participated in WEP for 3 to 4 years (40%), and practiced another physical activity (78,3%), such as walking (56,7%). The main reason for entering WEP was to improve physical and mental health, and for staying was the interest in water physical activity and the feeling of well-being. The group presented high self-esteem and self-image. There was a significant difference between reasons for staying in WEP and self-image (p=0,008). The WEP is a way to improve self-image and self-esteem of the elderly, and both variables are important to their stay in the program.