Active, independent and healthy
It helps people stay active, independent and healthy at all stages of life, and next Monday, World Physiotherapy Day will be celebrated locally and internationally under the theme “Healthy Ageing – Active Throughout Your Life”.Regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia and falls, among many other conditions. Even small lifestyle changes, such as taking the stairs, working in the garden, or walking a little more each day, make a positive difference.
Importantly, frailty and falling are not inevitable parts of ageing. With the right support, people can maintain their strength and balance well into later life. Physiotherapists, as movement experts, play a key role in this by providing tailored exercises, rehabilitation and advice to improve overall quality of life.
“Any activity is better than nothing,” stresses the Namibian Physiotherapists’ Association. “Find small, meaningful ways to move throughout your day. Park further away from the entrance to get those extra steps in, take the stairs instead of the lift, limit screen time, and choose active hobbies. Every little bit of movement counts towards healthy ageing.”
To mark World Physiotherapy Day, a community event on healthy ageing takes place on Monday at the Welwitchia 2 Community Hall in Swakopmund, as well as in Windhoek at the chapel of Windhoek Central Hospital.
In addition, the Stride 4 Strength fun run/jog will be held on Saturday, 13 September at Avis Dam in Windhoek and in Swakopmund.
For enquiries, email: [email protected]. – [email protected]