INTRODUCTION: The aging is a continuous process during which occurs the progressive decline in all physiological processes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the levels of physical activity, functional autonomy and quality of life in active and sedentary elderly women. METHOD: The sample consisted of 30 women (15 sedentary and 15 active), aged equal or over 60 years-old. To determine the level of physical activity, it was used the version of the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Elderly People; the functional autonomy was assessed by the battery of tests from the Group of Latin American Development to Maturity (GDLAM); and quality of life by WHOQOL-OLD. The statistical treatment consisted of descriptive and inferential analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS TM, 13.0 version. The level of significance and statistical error considered was set at 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: By examining the results it could be observed that the levels of physical activity found in the active elderly women was higher than the sedentary ones, reflecting the best results in the tests of functional autonomy (p < 0.05), although both are classified as low GI. Regarding the quality of life, we found no association at higher levels when comparing both groups. FINAL CONSIDERATION: It is recommended, therefore, that an intervention is made through a more intense physical training program, with larger numbers of individuals more well conditioned to better evaluate the possible alterations of the variables from this study.
Physical activity; Autonomy; Quality of life; Elderly
