O impacto percebido da dança na qualidade de vida de um grupo de idosos

: estudo exploratório

Abstract

In a time where we witness a global-scaled phenomenon – the aging of the population – it becomes utterly important to promote the quality of life of old-aged people and, therefore, their successful aging (Paúl, Fonseca, Martim & Amado, 2005). This exploratory study was aiming to explore the perceived impact of dance on the quality of life of a group of old-aged individuals. Using a mixed-methods design, the study was divided in two segments. First quality of life of 16 participants, aged between 70 and 88 years old, was assessed using WHOQOL-Bref and the well-being after dance class was assessed using Questionnaire on The Well-being After Dance Class. Secondly, interviews were conducted to 6 participants, with the purpose of exploring the perceived impact of dance on their quality of life and the relationship between the level of quality of life and the factors related to dance (time of dance practice and motivation for dance). The results show that dance is an important determinant of quality of life in these old-aged participants, perceived as a pleasurable experience that exerts a positive influence on psychological, social, physical and spiritual/religious dimensions of quality of life.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luísa Campos (Supervisor) & Lurdes Veríssimo (Co-Supervisor)