"Memórias da educação física na trajetória de vida de idosos: identidade, envelhecimento e práticas corporais na Universidade da Maturidade"

Abstract

Physical Education, over the decades, has left its mark on the lives of many elderly individuals. But how do these memories influence their perception of physical activity today? In this study, we aim to explore the memories of Physical Education among participants of the Universidade da Maturidade (UMA), investigating how these experiences have contributed to the construction of their identities over time. Through a qualitative approach based on narrative methodology, we delve into the subjectivities and singularities of these individuals' life stories, revealing how memory plays a central role in identity protection and the reinterpretation of bodily practices. Preliminary data indicate that elderly individuals' memories of Physical Education are influenced by the historical, social, and cultural context in which they were immersed, with frequent accounts of the absence or limitation of structured practices during their youth. However, their current experience at UMA has proven essential in reinterpreting the importance of physical activity, providing physical, emotional, and social benefits. By shedding light on these trajectories, we hope to contribute to reflections on the need for public policies that expand access to physical activity programs for the elderly, especially in regions such as Northern Brazil. More than that, we seek to strengthen the appreciation of elderly individuals' memories and experiences as legitimate sources of knowledge, essential for active aging and more meaningful social inclusion