EVALUATION IN BODY COMPOSITION OF PRACTITIONERS OF SYSTEMATIC WALK DURING THE AGING PROCESS

Abstract

The aging is characterized by a decline of the functional capacities of the organism and it is associated to a slower celular division, to a mechanical consuming, to the continuous loss of the cerebral cells, to anxiety and depression caused by the abandonment of an active social life. The best way to alleviate those symptoms is to keep physical activity suitable and with certainty the walk is the ideal activity for people who are in aging process, because it results in important benefical effects to health. This study had as purpose to evaluate the anthropometrics aspects of individuals in aging process, practitioners of systematic walk in Campo Grande-MS. The sample had participation of 60 ageds of both sex, from 30 to 80 years old(60,3 + 11,3). The avaliation protocols were based in BMI ( Body Mass Index) and the results were classified according to Brazilian Ministry of Health (2004), and the WHM ( waist and hip measurement) was evaluated according to Appleid Body Composition Assess, (1999). The results relative to BMI shows that 65% of the individuals presents an adjusted classification inside the recommended zone and 35% of the interviewed are at the risk zone and they are classified as overweight. Relative to WHM, it was verified that the youngers individuals have lower indexes, that means less accented corporal fat in the abdominal area, different from the others ages. It is important to stand out that the majority interviewed are retired and they walk four times a week or more, for 60 minutes, and they have as basic reason to have a better health and they got as the main benefit the physic and mental welfare.