Alma Mater Europaea University, which educates future physiotherapists, organized a content and practical set of events for the upcoming World Physiotherapy Day – September 8.

This year’s theme for World Physiotherapy Day is Healthy Aging with Movement, which is also joined by Alma Mater Europaea University with its physiotherapy students and university teachers. “The main causes of mortality among the elderly are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, falls, and suicides. Frailty is one of the key challenges of an aging society; it is a condition of reduced physical and psychosocial resilience that increases the risk of falls, illnesses, hospitalizations, and loss of independence,” emphasized Associate Professor Dr. Tine Kovačič, head of the Master’s program in Health Sciences at Alma Mater Europaea University.

Physiotherapists encourage the elderly through preventive treatments to regularly screen for falls and assess physical activity and fitness. They also help empower them to change movement habits and thus contribute long-term to fall prevention.

“Doctors extend life, physiotherapists extend youth and vitality and help many patients. That is why at Alma Mater Europaea University we carry out numerous research and development projects for the public good,” emphasized Assistant Professor Dr. Barbara Toplak Perovič, Secretary General of Alma Mater Europaea University and Dean of the Alma Mater Europaea ECM Faculty.

Under the mentorship of Associate Professor Dr. Tine Kovačič, physiotherapy students at Alma Mater Europaea University carried out activities for the elderly. The program provided participants with practical experience in exercises to improve muscle strength, balance, and mobility, as well as learning the principles of preventive physiotherapy. This was followed by a professional lecture for the wider public, where participants gained new knowledge and recommendations for active and healthy aging and information on how physical activity, prevention, and holistic care contribute to a better quality of life for the elderly. Special emphasis was placed on fall prevention, which is one of the biggest health challenges of the aging population, and on the role of physiotherapists in promoting mobility skills and independence.

Physiotherapy at Alma Mater 

“The role of the physiotherapist in working with the elderly is very important. A physiotherapist knows how to design individual active aging programs that can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls. At the same time, they focus on holistic care, which includes physical, mental, and social components of health. Our students gain practical experience during their studies, which they use and supplement in clinical work. This is an investment in the quality of life of the elderly and the entire healthcare system.”
Senior Lecturer Mladen Herc, Head of the Undergraduate Physiotherapy Study Program

“Healthy aging means maintaining independence, mobility, and well-being even in later years. Physiotherapy plays a key role here – with screening tests, regular exercise, and individual programs, the risk can be significantly reduced and active, quality aging encouraged. At Alma Mater Europaea University, we therefore develop scientific and educational projects that train students at all levels for the modern challenges of long-term care and prevention.”
Associate Professor Dr. Tine Kovačič, Head of the Master’s Program in Health Sciences

“One of the biggest shortcomings in elderly care is the lack of access to comprehensive home support, which would include both nursing care and physiotherapy. Mobility is key to maintaining independence and quality of life, so integrating physiotherapy services into long-term care is essential. This not only prevents falls and reduces pain but also relieves the healthcare system.”
President Tatjana Horvat, Head of the Therapy Institute

“The profession of physiotherapist for the elderly is an extraordinary mission that must be felt with soul and heart. In our work, we promote active and healthy aging and maintaining independence. We also devote much space to research and development of protocols for fall and frailty prevention. Qualified personnel are crucial to enabling the elderly dignity and quality of life, while also sending a message to society that we value professions caring for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Dr. Šejla Gazibara, Deputy Director for Nursing and Care at DEOS Cerknica

“Alma Mater Europaea University’s projects in physiotherapy are important because they connect education, practice, and society. At Alma Mater Europaea University, we participate in 16 physiotherapy projects at the national and international level.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Barbara Toplak Perovič, Secretary General of Alma Mater Europaea University