[Perception of benefits, limit and social assistance on the elderly to accomplish physical activity]. / Percepción del adulto mayor acerca de los beneficios, barreras y apoyo social para realizar actividad física.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide older adult (OA) population will grow from 10% to 22% between the year 2000 and 2050. In Mexico 8.2 millions are OA, which represents a worry for the governmental institutions because affect the social participation. OBJECTIVE: to understand the perceived benefits, barriers and social support for physical activity (PA) in OA in a gerontology unit. METHODS: We used a qualitative approach with semi structured interviews in depth. Fifteen OA from both sexes were included. Microanalysis line by line was conducted to get at open and axial encoding. Health Belief Model was used as theoretical and interpretative framework. RESULTS: Categories and subcategories analysis allowed us to understand the benefits perceived, barriers and social support for PA. The OA perceived that PA benefits their health. However emotional and social factors limit the acquisition of behavior perception. CONCLUSIONS: Health and recreation were the main reason for PA. The OA developed autonomy that impacts on the acquisition of an emotional attitude and confidence. PA retards the expression of functional deficiency and prevents the onset or exacerbation of chronic degenerative diseases.