Abstract
The aging of the population demands a closer look at the desires and needs of older adults. Although promoting active and healthy aging is a priority for public health, much of the work in this area is quantitative, using an epidemiological methodology focused on risk and protective factors for the health of this population. This methodological bias does not capture the experience of aging or explain the behavior of each individual in relation to their health. The objective of this essay is to reflect on the importance of qualitative studies in understanding the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of older adults, which will shed light on motivation, behavior, and the meaning of physical activity and health care practices.
Keywords:
Aging; Physical activity; Qualitative studies; Health.