Body and health: reflections on Body Practices among older adults in a Basic Health Unit in Goiânia, Brazil

Abstract

This qualitative research investigates the concepts of body and health in body practices among older adults who frequent the Sports and Leisure group at a Basic Health Unit in Goiânia, Brazil. Six field observations were performed (and recorded) with about 30 members and a focus group with five older adults. Data underwent content analysis. Results indicate hybrid conceptions, in a way that elements present in the individual’s life are confronted with those experienced by health practices. Body practices are meaningful life experiences towards an integrative perspective. Consequently, although certain elements among older adults drive the comprehension of biopsychosocial factors, they often present aspects that reduce the body or health to biological determinism. Thus, the professionals who work with older adults need to make different proposals.