Physical activity for the elderly at Rio de Janeiro's seafront: underutilization of the bikeway and the risks associated with walking on the sidewalk

• Autor(a) principal: Neto,Antonio Gil Castinheiras
• Data de Publicação: 2010
• Outros Autores: Neves,Bruna Medeiros, Filho,Irineu Rodrigues Costa, Júnior,José Henrique Salvi Elkfury
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://ggaging.com/details/273
• topic: Exercise, health promotion, health policy.

<p><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> The aim of this study was to assess the use of the sidewalk and bicycle paths as a means to encourage physical activity and health promotion of the population.<br> <b>METHODS:</b> The method used was observational and performed in a local specific of Rio de Janeiro in a time of great motion (at 9 am). Determined the age of patrons, the types of physical activities and the conservation status of the roads.<br> <b>RESULTS:</b> Several problems were identified on the sidewalk, as: 1) manhole cover above the levels of the ground, jutting out to the sidewalk; 2) uneven floor; 3) Portuguese loose stones; 4) holes for the absence of Portuguese stones; 5) fit of the parasols of the kiosks, without signaling, leading to users, especially the elderly to be exposed to the risk of falls and stumble. One hundred and twelve people used the sidewalk and bike as a means to perform physical activities. The percentage of elderly people was 65% (73 people, 64 ± 3.2 years) and young adults and middle-aged 35% (27 people; 43 ± 5.5 years). Among the elderly, walking 84% and another 16% ran or rode a bicycle. Among young and middle-aged 56% ran, six walking (22%) and six rode a bicycle (22%). Regarding the use of bicycle paths, despite the good conservation, only 12% of people use it for cycling.<br> <b>CONCLUSION:</b> There is a need to revise the standards for the use of the sidewalk and bicycle paths, given that they are underused or expose the users to various risk factors, leading to the exclusion of older people.</p>