Vôlei Câmbio(Change Volleyball) and Social Interdependence Among Older Adults: A Case Study at Sesc Portão, Curitiba, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Beyond their physical benefits, sports participation among older adults serves as a social space where relationships, belonging, and networks of interdependence are constructed and strengthened. In Brazil, one of the sports options offered to older adults is an adapted version of volleyball, known as Vôlei Câmbio. Objective: The study aimed to identify the sociodemographic profile of participants in the Vôlei Câmbio (Change Volleyball) team at Sesc Portão, Curitiba, Brazil, and to understand how this sport contributes to the development and strengthening of interdependencies among its participants. Methods: This is a qualitative case study grounded in Norbert Elias's Configurational Sociology. Initially, 32 participants, one instructor, and the unit coordinator took part in the study. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire (nine closed-ended questions) and semi-structured interviews (22 open-ended questions for participants and 10 for professionals). Sociodemographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the interviews were examined through content analysis to understand how social relationships, the sense of belonging, and interdependencies manifested within the context of Vôlei Câmbio. Results: The results showed a predominance of women (68.75%), aged between 60 and 69 years (46.88%), retired (90.63%), with a monthly income of up to four minimum wages (71.88%), and more than half living alone (56.25%). The interviews revealed that Vôlei Câmbio extends beyond sports practice, serving as a space for social interaction, friendship, mutual support, and strengthening a sense of belonging. The bonds established during the sessions extend beyond the court. Conclusion: In light of Norbert Elias's Configurational Sociology, this sport promotes the development, maintenance, and reorganization of interdependency networks among older adults.