THE PUBLIC SPACES OF A CITY: ANALYSIS OF GYMS FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE CITY OF CAMPO MOURÃO - PR

Abstract

Public spaces are spaces that have always been present within society, but their importance often went unnoticed by their users and public authorities. Nowadays, we witness many discussions about the importance and use of these spaces by society, in this way, these spaces have become the object of research in different areas of knowledge, allowing us to have an interdisciplinary dialogue on the subject. This article aims to analyze the infrastructure of gyms for the elderly in the city of Campo Mourão – PR as a public space aimed at the population. As a methodological contribution, a qualitative, quantitative and exploratory research was used, with data collection in books, articles, theses, official documents, in addition to on-site research. The results indicate that the ATIs in general meet their purpose, which is to offer physical activity through their devices, also contributing to socialization among their users. However, the lack of planning, maintenance of the space, accessibility and expertise of professionals such as physical educators impairs its use, exposing users to the risk of falls, fractures and injuries.