How Physiotherapists Can Lead the Promotion of Healthy Ageing
How Physiotherapists Can Lead the Promotion of Healthy Ageing
This course includes
Overview
This online course explores the critical role physiotherapists can play in promoting healthy ageing within the context of broader healthcare strategy, policy, and practice. Led by Dr. Samir K. Sinha, a recognized expert in geriatrics and health policy, the course examines the opportunities and challenges presented by an aging population, the complexities of geriatric healthcare, and pragmatic approaches to supporting wellness and functional ability in older adults. It was recorded in June 2019 at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Forum.
The course delves into demographic trends, the rationale for national senior strategies, and key issues affecting aging populations such as multimorbidity, functional decline, and system barriers to integrated care. It emphasizes how physiotherapists’ expertise in movement, exercise prescription, and functional assessment positions the profession to contribute meaningfully to healthy ageing initiatives.
Why This Course Matters
Population aging presents both significant challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems. Evidence suggests that physical activity and movement‑focused interventions — core components of physiotherapy practice — play a pivotal role in managing chronic conditions, preserving mobility and independence, and reducing disability among older adults.
Physiotherapists have the training to assess functional capacity, prescribe tailored activity programs, and support behavior change that fosters long‑term health. As healthcare shifts toward prevention and integrated care for older adults, the profession’s voice and influence become increasingly important in shaping policy, designing services, and advocating for models of care that promote health and quality of life across the lifespan.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Describe the role of physiotherapy in promoting healthy ageing
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Analyze demographic, healthcare, and policy challenges related to aging populations
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Identify key geriatric healthcare issues, including functional impairment and frailty
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Differentiate between high and low health service users among older adults
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Apply practical approaches to support healthy ageing within clinical and community contexts
Audience
This course is designed for:
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Physiotherapists and rehabilitation clinicians with an interest in geriatrics and healthy ageing
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Healthcare practitioners engaged in senior care or long‑term care settings
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Clinicians seeking to broaden their understanding of health policy and system‑level considerations related to aging
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Professionals interested in integrating healthy ageing principles into practice and service delivery
Presenter Bio: Dr. Samir Sinha, MD, DPhil, FRCPC
Dr. Sinha is Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network, a clinician scientist with expertise in health policy related to older adults, and a leading advocate for integrated care models that reduce disability and promote wellness in aging populations. His work spans clinical care, research, and national senior strategy development.
The course is offered in partnership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, which advocates for evidence‑informed practice and leadership in health promotion across the profession.
The instructors
MD, DPhil, FRCPC
Dr. Samir Sinha is a passionate and respected advocate for the needs of older adults. Dr. Sinha currently serves as the Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Geriatrics and Director of Geriatrics of the Sinai Health System and the University Health Network Hospitals in Toronto. In 2012 he was appointed by the Government of Ontario government to serve as the expert lead of the Ontario’s Seniors Strategy. He is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Family and Community Medicine and the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Recently, Dr. Sinha became the founding Co-Chair of the Advisory Board for Canada’s new National Institute on Ageing at Ryerson University.
A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Sinha’s breadth of international training and expertise in health policy and the delivery of services related to the care of the elderly have made him a highly regarded expert in the care of older adults and around the implementation and administration of unique, integrated and innovative models of geriatric care that reduce disease burden, improve access and capacity and ultimately promote health. In 2014, Maclean’s proclaimed him to be one of Canada’s 50 most influential people and its most compelling voice for the elderly. Dr. Sinha is the co-principal applicant for the CIHR funding opportunity which supported this work.
Material included in this course
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Introduction to the Forum
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Welcome and Slides
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Special Thanks
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Dr. Samir Sinha's Lecture
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Role of Geriatrics
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“Bed-Blockers”
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High and Low Users
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Main Issues of Modern Healthcare
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Ontario Senior Strategy
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Achieving the “Denmark Effect”
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Go National!
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Quiz
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What's Next?
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References and Additional Resources from the course
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Feedback
I'm a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). What are the discounts available to CPA Members on Embodia?
As part of our partnership with the CPA, we offer its members discounts on courses and Embodia Memberships. Learn more about the partnership on this page.
In order for the discount to be applied, you first need to authenticate your CPA membership. This is an important step as this is how Embodia 'knows' that you are a CPA member.
To authenticate as a CPA member, you need to sign in the CPA portal on this page, sign in to your CPA account, and then click the button on the page.
Please note that your email address on your CPA account must match your email address on Embodia. If needed, you can update your information on Embodia as outlined in this guide.
Is a certificate of completion included with this course?
Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.
This can be used for continuing education credits, depending on your professional college or association. If this course has been approved for CEUs in specific jurisdictions, it will be noted on the course page and CEU information may be added to your course certificate. Please read this guide for more information.