Abstract:

Abstract We aimed to investigate the life history of an elderly woman and observe whether bodily practices and physical activities (BPPA) appear as a resistance factor. A qualitative study characterized as life history was conducted with a 78-year-old elderly woman. From an in-depth, open and unstructured interview, data were produced and treated with content analysis. We identified resistance factors such as meaning in life, self-esteem and social assistance. Variables such as family environment, school, religion and work had a direct influence on the acquisition of positive attitudes towards health. BPPA appeared as a means for other formats such as the case of sociability, self-care and the meaning of life. They also provided opportunities for self-esteem, as one of the resistance factors in the face of various pressures in the environment and having an essential interference for the continuous health-disease.

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