Abstract
Objective: To identify in the Brazilian literature, the benefits that the practice of physical activity can cause in the elderly people. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, articles published from 2014 to 2019 in the electronic databases LILACS and MEDLINE, available from the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and PubMed, with the following descriptors: Exercise (Ejercicio, Exercício); Aged were included in the final sample. Results: The main benefits referenced in the selected articles were that the practice of physical activity favored the adoption of a healthier lifestyle, increased social relationships and support network, preserved functional capacities, reduced fragility, increased the level of activity and independence between women. elderly people, decreased the risk for the development of diseases or complications of health problems related to the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Final considerations: The studies observed in this literature review point out that the practice of physical activity performed by elderly people in Brazil favors the prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases, increases physical mobility, helps to maintain the functional capacity for the activities of daily life and consequently improve the quality of life of this population.