Promotion of physical activity in the aging population: a rehabilitation nursing activity in the community

Active aging programs are fundamental for healthy aging, delaying the incapacity or dependence of older people. Promoting physical activity, especially in the community, maintains functionality, autonomy, social inclusion and interaction, and is an opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. By having the knowledge to design, implement and evaluate rehabilitation programs aimed at people's real needs, with a view to maximizing functional capacity, improving self-care performance and promoting healthy lifestyles, rehabilitation nurses are in a privileged position to be part of the response to the challenge that population ageing poses to societies, helping to ensure that getting older doesn't mean losing one's identity or giving up living in a community. The aim of this study is to reflect on the intervention of Rehabilitation Nursing in the promotion of physical activity in the elderly.