Today, September 8, is World Physiotherapy Day , an annual event promoted by World Physiotherapy to raise public awareness of the importance of physical activity and the key role of physiotherapists in protecting health, especially in old age.

The 2025 edition is dedicated to the themes of “Aging and Fragility ,” two increasingly central realities in the Italian demographic landscape, and even more marked in Sardinia.

This year, the Order of Physiotherapists of Central Sardinia has relaunched the "Movement That Never Stops" campaign, with the aim of promoting local initiatives to encourage physical activity as a tool for prevention and well-being.

This reflection comes against an alarming backdrop : Italy remains one of the world's oldest countries, with 24.3% of the population (over 14 million people) over 65. This trend is set to grow: according to estimates, it will reach 33.3% (approximately 19.7 million people over 65) by 2050.

In Sardinia, the situation is even more critical. According to the latest ISTAT data (2024), those over 65 already represent 27% of the regional population—approximately 421,000 out of 1.57 million residents—and by 2050, this figure is expected to reach 40%.

This is a worrying figure, especially in the inland and rural areas of central and southern Italy , where access to health services is often hampered by difficult roads and a shortage of professionals, particularly physiotherapists.

Given these numbers, the concept of active aging , defined by the WHO as the ability to maintain one's physical, social, and mental functions throughout life, becomes central. This goal can also be achieved with the help of physiotherapists, who can develop personalized programs for older adults, adapting exercise intensity to their individual level of mobility.

Small daily actions, like regular walking, can make a difference . Recent research published in The Lancet in 2025 confirms that just 2,000 steps a day can reduce mortality by 36%, with benefits increasing up to 10,000 steps a day.

But physical activity isn't just about staying fit: it's also a powerful tool for preventing falls, a leading cause of disability among older adults. Every year, one in five falls, resulting in 35.9% of injuries, with 13.6% classified as serious.

"World Day reminds us of the important role of physiotherapists, especially in a region like ours, which is one of the world's main blue zones," said Gino Sedda, president of the Order of Physiotherapists of Central Sardinia.

"It is desirable to increasingly collaborate with institutions to ensure citizens' health, prevent falls, and address frailty. Physiotherapists are key to improving the independence of older people and the quality of life in our communities."

Sedda also emphasized how therapeutic exercise , in addition to improving balance and muscle strength, represents one of the most effective tools for counteracting the impact of falls and slowing the aging process.

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