As Europe’s population ages, specialised physiotherapy for older adults is becoming increasingly necessary. However, due
to misconceptions, a lack of exposure and a lack of formal education in geriatric physiotherapy, the area struggles to draw in
professionals and students. In order to enhance geriatric physiotherapy education, encourage motivation and make sure
that more professionals are prepared to offer older persons high-quality care, EdAge-physio tackles these issues.
Implementation:
Five higher education institutions from Norway, Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands & Portugal follow a co-creative approach.
Results:Key activities are:
• A multi-country needs analysis to understand challenges & opportunities in geriatric physiotherapy education;
• The development and implementation of a curriculum toolbox with flexible learning modules;
• A digital campaign and the organisation of local awareness days engaging students and professionals in the domain of
physiotherapy for older adults.
EdAge-physio will:
• Increase student motivation in geriatric physiotherapy;
• Provide teachers with a flexible curriculum toolbox;
• Improve professional attitudes toward working with older adults;
• Strengthen collaboration between education & the healthcare sector to better address the needs of an ageing population.
The project will contribute to building a well-trained healthcare workforce ready to support Europe’s ageing population whilst
promoting inclusivity and respect for older adults.
More information:
Funding: Erasmus+
RERE PIs: Prof. David Beckwée, Katrijn D'Herdt