“Since 1996, September 8 has been celebrated as World Physiotherapy Day by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (World Physiotherapy), which represents more than 625,000 physiotherapists worldwide. Each year, the Confederation determines a different theme for this special day, aiming both to raise awareness in society and to highlight the role of physiotherapy in global health issues of importance.

This year’s theme, ‘Healthy Aging,’ was chosen to draw attention to the increasing elderly population around the world and to emphasize the importance of physiotherapy in helping individuals maintain their independence and live a quality life in their later years. Regular physical activity and physiotherapy practices play a critical role in maintaining musculoskeletal health, reducing the risk of falls, alleviating the effects of chronic diseases, preventing frailty, and ensuring active participation of individuals in community life. Physiotherapists help individuals stay active during the healthy aging process with personalized exercise programs aimed at improving strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Physiotherapists can also provide advice on how to safely perform daily activities, whether walking aids or canes are needed, how to make the home environment safer, and how to choose proper footwear.

Physiotherapy is indispensable for lifelong health. World Physiotherapy Day aims to make these contributions of physiotherapists visible while raising awareness in society about an active and healthy lifestyle. On this occasion, as Pamukkale University Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, we appreciate the devoted work of our esteemed colleagues and invite all members of society to make physical activity an integral part of life for healthy aging. Happy World Physiotherapy Day, September 8!”