Body image perception can be defined as the individual representation of body appearance that undergoes through changes throughout life involving biopsychosocial factors. Body satisfaction refers to the assessment of each individual body as well as its attitudes and thoughts. With the stereotype of aging associated with disease, sexual impotence, mental illness, uselessness and loneliness among other factors, the elderly population is often negatively influenced with their body perception. Thus, with increasing age, morphological changes become more evident leading to a dissatisfaction with elderly’s body image.
Physical activity represents an important factor to improve physical and physiological well-being, health, autonomy of elderly and as a consequence the positive body image increase. Despite the recognition of the importance of physical activity benefits, inactivity is prevalent in people over 65 years of age.
To counteract this inactivity, professionals who deal with the elderly population must promote physical activities in elderly care institutions and make this a regular practice to give this population quality of life and to improve body perception and satisfaction.
