As age advances, must health inevitably decline? Can it be restored in the later years of life? The answer is yes. Physiotherapy can play a key role in helping people live a healthier and more active life, no matter their age. This idea, known as healthy ageing, is also the theme of this year’s Physiotherapy Day observance. The day has been observed since 1996 and is a platform to improve awareness of the role of physiotherapists in the health sector. Dr MK Nithin, Indian Association of Physiotherapists, Kannur Chapter, explains how individuals aged 60 and above should exercise, how physiotherapy helps, and more. 

The ageing challenge
The world is ageing faster than ever. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and above is projected to reach 2.1 billion. In 2019, it was just one billion and over the next five years, it will already climb to 1.4 billion. With this surge, age-related conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson’s are also expected to rise.

Physiotherapy offers a way to manage these conditions, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of falls by enhancing body balance. It is especially vital for patients who are bedridden after surgery, a stroke, or other illnesses, helping them regain movement and independence.

According to the World Health Organisation, one in eight people above 60 may experience frailty. But those who remain active can enjoy an everyday life even in their later years. Physiotherapy provides the right kind of training to make this possible.

Article Cards - 6
Article Cards - 7

TAGS

Google News Add as a preferred source on Google
The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.