Chile: World PT Day 2025

College of Physiotherapists of Chile

The Department of Public Health of the College of Physiotherapists of Chile organised an online activity to celebrate World PT Day 2025.

The event was held on 8 September via Zoom and was titled: Physiotherapy and Healthy Ageing: Responses from Public Policy

Objective: The session aimed to share experiences in the design and implementation of public health programs focused on promoting healthy ageing, and preventing falls and frailty in older adults. The discussion emphasized the role of physiotherapy in shaping intersectoral and person-centered public policies for care.

Moderator: Giovanni Olivares Péndola – Specialist in Geriatric and Gerontological Physiotherapy, Master in Public Health, Academic at the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Chile.

Speakers:

• Nanet González Olate – Professional Advisor for Comprehensive Care of Older Persons in Primary Health Care and related strategies, Ministry of Health, Primary Care Division.
• Víctor Díaz Aguilera, PT – Specialist in the design of health and social services for healthy ageing. Master in Public Health and Strategic Health Management. Extensive experience in public health management at both ministerial and municipal levels. Specialist in public policy for older persons and community health.

The college was honoured to contribute to the global celebration of World PT Day by highlighting the importance of physiotherapy in advancing healthy ageing through public policy.

Watch a recording of the event: World Physiotherapy DAY 2025 - CHILE

Universidad San Sebastián

The Kinesiology Program at Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción campus, Chile, celebrated World PT Day 2025. 

The following activities were held:

1. Academic Seminar: “Healthy Ageing”
   Held on Monday, September 8, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Dr. Alexis Lama Auditorium, Las Tres Pascualas Campus. The event was conducted in person and livestreamed nationwide.
   Under the theme “The role of Kinesiology in promoting well-being, autonomy, and the prevention of frailty in older adults,” the seminar featured presentations by:
   • Dr. Yenny Concha (PT, MSc, PhD), researcher and academic from Universidad Santo Tomás.
   • Mr. Lincoyán Fernández, specialist in Geriatric and Gerontological Kinesiology, and Program Director at Universidad San Sebastián.
   • Dr. Walter Sepúlveda (PT, MSc, PhD), researcher at Universidad de Las Américas and member of the Diabfrail LatAm project.
     This academic activity was supported by the Master's programs in Neurokinesiology and Musculoskeletal Kinesiology.
2. Community Activity: “Healthy Ageing Gathering”
   Held on Friday, September 12, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Sports Corporation of San Pedro de la Paz.
   This initiative focused on raising awareness in the community about the role of physiotherapists in supporting healthy ageing. Older adults from the Biobío Region participated in interactive educational and recreational activities led by students and faculty of our Kinesiology program.

These initiatives reflect the strong commitment of our university to advancing Kinesiology as a key discipline for enhancing quality of life, both through academic excellence and active community engagement.