Vivere l’esperienza della “leggerezza” : uno studio qualitativo sulla percezione dell’acquagym in un gruppo di donne anziane

Literature has pointed out physical and psychological benefits of water based exercises (WBEs) for the elderly; however, few studies have investigated how old adults perceive those activities. This study was aimed at exploring the elder’s perception of WBEs, which brings the old adult to apply for an aqua-gym course and to successfully continue it. According to the aim, we opted for a Grounded Theory study, con-ducted in three swimming pools placed in the urban area of Milan (Italy) and in its suburbs. Forty women (age 72.45.8 years, meanSD) were interviewed; among them, 30 were still participating in WBEs while 10 dropped out. “Living the experience of lightness” was the emerging core category in the interviews with participants still attending the activities. This perception of lightness was associated with three main factors: discovering a lighter body during WBEs, experimenting psycho-social wellbeing and considering the instructor as unique and invaluable. Women appreciated WBEs not only because of the perception of body lightness while exercising, but also for the benefits they felt to their own mind and to mutual rela-tionships with mates. All these factors can facilitate active ageing and social inclusion. “Living the con-trast between the wish to continue the activity and the external barriers causing the drop-out” was the core category in the drop-out. In conclusion, recommendations to assist the global experience of lightness during WBEs are suggested to instructors.