Older Adults’ Perceptions of Health, Quality of Life, and Access to Health Promotion Initiatives for Active Aging: A Qualitative Approach

(1) Background: Health promotion initiatives based on physical activity (PA) play a crucial role in fostering active aging. However, engagement in such initiatives is related to individual subjectivities that vary according to different social backgrounds among older adults. This study aims to explore older adults' perceptions of their health and quality of life after participation in a PA program, as well as the factors influencing their access to health promotion services and initiatives. (2) Methods: This is a qualitative study based on two focus groups conducted in June 2025 at the University involving 14 older adults (11 women; mean age: 68 years), participating in a supervised PA program in a city in southern Brazil. (3) Results: The themes identified from the Thematic Analysis were Health, aging, and quality of life; Engagement with PA; and Perspectives on health promotion strategies. A positive perception of health and quality of life was identified as being related to participation/engagement in a PA program. Access to health services is facilitated; however, waiting times for care are long, especially for more specific diseases. (4) Conclusions: Although participation in a structured PA program influences the positive perception of health and quality of life, socioeconomic and structural barriers limit equitable access to these services, revealing the need for integrated public policies to address health inequalities and support active aging.