UNIFEB launches AtivaMente Project to promote quality of life for the 60+ population

UNIFEB launches AtivaMente Project to promote quality of life for the 60+ population Credit: Disclosure UNIFEB (University Center of the Barretos Educational Foundation) launches the AtivaMente Project on April 7, an initiative aimed at promoting health and well-being for people aged 60 or over, through light intensity physical activity classes. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Tadeu Cardoso de Almeida, coordinator of the Bachelor's degree in Physical Education at UNIFEB. Classes will be taught by Prof. Ma. Cintia Aparecida de Oliveira Barcelos, professor of various undergraduate subjects. According to the coordinator, the AtivaMente Project is an initiative of the Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and will count on the partnership of all undergraduate courses in the Health area at UNIFEB, when necessary. The proposal reinforces the interdisciplinary character and expands the scope of actions developed within the community. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in two periods: in the morning, from 9 am to 10 am, and in the afternoon, from 3 pm to 4 pm, in the institution's Body Experiences Room. The target audience is people aged 60 and over. To participate, those interested must look for the UBS (Basic Health Unit) closest to their residence and ask the doctor (general practitioner, cardiologist or orthopedist) for a certificate proving that they are able to practice light intensity physical activity, confirming the absence of contraindications and ensuring safety for practicing in gyms, clubs or competitions. The document must be dated, signed and contain the doctor's CRM. Then, with the document in hand, simply go to UNIFEB and look for the Body Experiences Room to start classes. According to Prof. Dr. Tadeu, the project arose from the institution's need to collaborate with the practices and teachings worked on in the various disciplines of the Physical Education course, at the same time as serving the community through an extension project. “Students on the course will have the opportunity to learn by doing”, he highlights. The initiative also has a partnership with the Barretos Tourist Resort City Hall, through the Municipal Health Department, strengthening the link between the university and public authorities. In the academic context, the AtivaMente Project stands out for promoting integration between theory and practice, allowing students on the Physical Education course to apply concepts from the disciplines in real activities, reinforcing practical learning and knowledge retention, always accompanied by Profa. Cynthia. “In addition, it plays an important role in university extension and social impact, by serving the elderly community and contributing to the promotion of public health, expanding the academic visibility of the institution”, emphasizes the coordinator. The initiative also favors the development of professional skills, offering practical experience in Gymnastics and Sports pedagogy and preparing future professionals for interventions in specific populations, such as the elderly. To the Interim Rector of UNIFEB, Prof. Bad. Eliane Araújo Cardoso da Silva Santana, the AtivaMente project represents, in a very concrete way, the University Center's commitment to the community and to excellent academic training. "By promoting health and quality of life for the population aged 60 and over, while providing our students with supervised practical experience, we strengthen the integration between teaching, extension and social responsibility. This is the university we believe in: close to the community, connected to public policies and committed to social transformation", he concludes.