ABSTRACT
Regular physical activity contributes to healthy aging favoring quality of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of health and quality of life with physical activity (PAF) at leisure in the rural elderly. It is cross-sectional analytical household survey conducted with 850 elderly living in rural areas. We used descriptive analysis, chi-square and t-Student and logistics and multiple linear regressions (p<0.05). Inactive elderly showed greater indicative of depression (p<0.003) and number of comorbidities (p=0.035). The PAF during leisure time was associated with higher scores in (p<0.001), psychological (p=0.001) and environment (p<0.001) physical domains. The practice of physical activity in leisure time should be encouraged in view of its positive impact on health and quality of life.
Keywords:
Elderly; Leisure Activity; Population Rural