Perception of memory decline in physically active elderly: comparison between practitioners of systematized and non-systematized physical exercises

Abstract Aim: To investigate the perception of memory decline in elderly physically active, practicing and non-practicing systematized physical exercises. Methods: Participants were 159 elderly practitioners of systematized and non-systematized physical exercises of Maringá-PR. The instruments used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Cognitive Decline Initiative (SCD-I) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted through Chi-Square test and Binary Logistic Regression (p<0.05). Results: Non-retired elderly and who reported that memory troubles made difficult to perform the activities of daily living presented more chances to practice systematized exercises. Further, very active elderly and who do not realize that the memory is below the expected for the age have 56% and 75% more chance of being systematized exercises practitioners, respectively. Furthermore, men and elderly who practice non- systematized exercise have 60% and 63% more chance of perceive the memory lower than expected for the age, respectively. Conclusion: Men and the elderly who do not practice systematized exercises are more likely to perceive memory lower than expected for age. Moreover, retirement and the satisfactory memory perception are associated with the practice of systematized exercises.