ABSTRACT
It aimed to identify the perception of the elderly of a coexistence group about the role of the Physical Education professional and the reasons for adherence to the practice of physical activity. Individual interviews were carried out with 14 elderly people who practiced physical activity in the group for at least two years, were analyzed by the thematic modality, it was identified that the elderly give the teacher a central role in the group, which extends beyond the technical competence, to the understand him as: group leader, knowledgeable of the elderly, health promoter, group articulator, educator, communicator, conflict mediator. The relationship established with the physical education professional can influence the motivation that permeates the adherence of the elderly to the practice of physical activity.
Keywords:
Motor activity; Health educators; Aging; Health of the elderly
