Objective: To evaluate an experiment in social interaction, physical exercise and use of leisure time of 50 to 75-year old women using a health centre.
Design: An observational and descriptive study of a qualitative nature.
Setting: A Health District in the city of Jaén.
Participants: 40 women between 50 and 75 chosen by their G.P. because they suffered conditions which could be improved by physical exercise, had adverse social conditioning factors and/or non-specific symptoms which were probably psychosomatic.
Intervention: The programme developed between October '94 and June '95 included three activities. Two groups of 20 women were formed. 100% completed the programme.
Measurements and main results: 94% of the participants thought that their health had improved; 89%, their family life; and 97%, their social and personal life. On completing the programme, 71% considered their health "good or very good". 83% attended the physical exercise sessions with less than three absences; all of them stayed on for the 95-96 course. Their reasons for beginning the course corresponded fully with the benefits perceived on completing it.
Conclusions: In line with the opinions of the participants in a programme of intersector activity (community social services and the health service), group physical exercise, with socializing and amusement components, has positive effects on health and social and family well-being.