The Right to the City, Elderly Population and Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Salvador–Ba

Abstract

 It can be said that encouraging the practice of physical activity in the urban environment constitutes a right to the city. After all, the regular practice of physical activity reduces morbidity and mortality from different causes and provides a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, in addition to improving the physical and mental aspect of the practitioner. This article aims to describe the use profile, reasons for use and activities carried out by the elderly population in squares in the city of Salvador–Ba. The interviews and monitoring of forms of use and appropriation took place in two squares. One of the squares is Ana Lúcia Magalhães, located in the Pituba neighborhood, whose residents are middle and upper class, and Mico Preto square, in the Vale das Pedrinhas neighborhood, with a very different population profile, mostly low-income. The data demonstrated that the largest proportion of elderly people usually frequent the places, live nearby and stay for at least 60 minutes. Therefore, the majority of elderly people are physically active and have an adequate weight. The most common activities carried out in the squares were stretching, walking and exercising on gym equipment, with differences in other activities reported due to the physical structure present. The main reasons reported in places for use were distance from home, security, infrastructure and equipment. Therefore, users of the squares have different reasons for visiting. While users of the Ana Lúcia Magalhães square frequent it due to the distance from home and the parking available. Users of Mico Preto square go there because of the people they know and the services available.