La importancia de implementar o fortalecer programas de actividad física en Centros de Atención para Personas Mayores de la Zona de Occidente

The study aimed to identify the factors influencing the implementation or enhancement of physical activity programs in institutional care centers for the elderly in the Western region. Qualitative research was developed with semi-structured interviews to seven administrators and 14 elderly individuals from each institution. Analysis involved triangulation based on theories, and comparison of categories and subcategories with Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of human development, focusing on microsystem, mesosystem, and exosystem levels. The results demonstrated significant health improvements in participants due to physical activity; however, some individuals presented physical limitations that prevented them from performing the activities as expected, requiring these activities to be adapted accordingly. The study found that both emotional and physical factors were positively impacted by engaging in physical activity, leading to improvements in independence, balance, strength, flexibility, motivation, and confidence, among others. Support from others while performing physical activities was found to be crucial, as participants felt safer and more accompanied during these sessions. The study also revealed that economic factors played a significant role, although this varied between institutions.