The aging population in recent decades allowed the creation and fulfillment of public policies to guarantee the social rights of the elderly. There an increasing need dor strategies that provide autonomy, social integration and quality of life for this age group. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of older people participating in social groups of the third age in the City of Iguatu - CE. This is a cross-seccional study, with quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 65 elderly participants in two groups living in the municipality. Data was collected in February-March 2009. The results show that 90.8% (n = 59) of respondents were women, mean age was 69.8 years (SD ± 6.62), 44.6% (n = 29) were widowed and 40% (n = 26) of the elderly had between 4 and 7 years of schooling; 76.9% (n = 50) of the sample reported having enough money to supply their basic needs and 47.7% (n = 31) maintained their own homes; 70.7% (n = 46) reported no active sexual life; 84.6% (n = 55) participated in other leisure activities outside the group, 7.7% (n = 05) were smokers and 9.2% (n = 06) were using alcohol. 90.8% (n = 59) performed one or more types of exercise and 53.8% (n = 35) evaluated their health as regular. It was concluded that participation in groups together allows the elderly to remain active and included in social activities, promoting exchange of experiences and improving their self-esteem and quality of life.
Aging; Seniors Group; Quality of Life