Physiotherapy Key To Healthy Ageing, Says Union Health Minister JP Nadda

Marking World Physiotherapy Day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda today emphasized the critical role physiotherapy plays in enhancing mobility, preserving independence, and improving the overall quality of life for India’s ageing population.

“Physiotherapy is indispensable in promoting healthy ageing. It enhances mobility, fosters autonomy, and boosts the quality of life across all age groups, particularly among the elderly,” said Nadda in a message posted on social media platform X.

Highlighting the Government’s ongoing commitment to elderly care, the Minister outlined initiatives that integrate physiotherapy into public health systems. “These essential services are now being delivered through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other public health institutions nationwide. I urge all eligible citizens to make active use of these resources,” he added.

Minister Nadda stressed on promoting physiotherapy as a cornerstone of healthy ageing strategies across the nation.

This year’s World Physiotherapy Day theme, “Healthy Ageing: The Role of Physiotherapy in Falls and Frailty,” draws attention to a growing concern—age-related physical decline and the increasing incidence of falls among senior citizens.

Falls remain a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults, and physiotherapy offers a powerful, non-invasive strategy to mitigate this risk.

“If doctors save lives, physiotherapists improve the quality of life,” Dr. Khyatee, senior physiotherapist and former research officer at AIIMS noted, emphasising the vital role his fraternity plays in ensuring quality life to the elders.

She explained that physiotherapists working with older adults routinely assess balance, gait, and muscle strength to gauge fall risk. Interventions often include resistance training to enhance postural control, coordination exercises, and tailored patient education to encourage safer daily movement.

According to healthcare experts, falls in the elderly are usually triggered by a combination of physiological and environmental factors—including muscle weakness, impaired balance, poor vision, and unsafe home conditions like inadequate lighting or clutter. Consequences can range from fractures and reduced mobility to psychological impacts such as fear of falling again, which can further reduce activity levels and lead to social isolation.

Citing researches, the American Physical Therapy Association, says that physiotherapy offers a safe, evidence-based alternative to medication for pain management and functional improvement.

This is especially crucial for older adults managing multiple chronic conditions, where physiotherapy not only reduces physical limitations but also helps in minimizing polypharmacy risks.

A senior official from the Union Health Ministry noted that World Physiotherapy Day, observed globally on September 8, aims to raise awareness about the vital role physiotherapists play in keeping populations active, independent, and healthy—especially those most vulnerable due to age or chronic illness.