社團法人臺灣物理治療學會五十週年慶暨國際學術研討會—Super Aging Forum

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Taiwan Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) held the Super-Aging Forum to address the impact of the growing elderly population on health and social systems. Speakers from Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and South Korea shared insights and strategies for promoting healthy ageing in super-aged societies.

The forum began with Hsi-Wen Wu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Long-Term Care, who projected that by 2070, older adults will represent 46.5% of Taiwan’s population. He introduced Taiwan’s Long-Term Care 3.0 program (2026–2035), part of the National Project Hope, which seeks to promote healthy ageing, aging in place, and dignified end-of-life care. His presentation highlighted the urgency for policies that adapt to demographic shifts.

Next, Sylvia Wojciechowski, Chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Council, presented “Beyond the Ward: How Intermediate Care and Digital Solutions Are Reshaping Healthcare.” She explained that bed-based intermediate care offers intensive rehabilitation in facilities, while home-based care delivers services directly at home. Intermediate care helps prevent deconditioning, promotes quicker discharges, supports person-centered rehabilitation, and allows for real-world assessments.

Building on the role of technology, Dr. Rik Dawson, President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, presented “TOP UP Reablement with Telehealth Tech: Thriving in Older Age.” He explained that telehealth, using platforms like Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect, can enhance mobility, activity, and cognition in elderly. The TOP UP model enables physiotherapists to lead online exercise sessions via Zoom, aiming to build evidence for telehealth in aged care and improve mobility for elderly with or without dementia.

Professor Tetsuya Takahashi from Juntendo University in Japan discussed the Cardiovascular Disease Control Basic Act, noting that Taiwan's population is aging faster than Japan's and will surpass it by 2060. He highlighted that cardiovascular disease accounts for 20.6% of nursing care needs and emphasized that tele-rehabilitation can reduce hospital visits and foster sustainable, patient-centered care systems.

Yoshimitsu Sasaki, Vice President of the Japanese Physical Therapy Association (JPTA), followed with “Achievements and Challenges of JPTA’s Initiatives.” He highlighted the evolving role of physiotherapists from clinical rehabilitation to prevention and health promotion. Initiatives include curriculum reform, Community-based Medical Care Wards, and the IEON 1 Minute Gymnastics program, all supporting elderly independence by 2040.

From Korea, Haneul Lee, PT, DSc (Gachon University, KPTA) presented “Empowering Women’s Health in a Super-Aging Society: Korean Experience.” He explained the importance of postpartum recovery, frailty prevention, and a life-course approach to women’s health, with physiotherapy playing key roles in posture correction, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and community-based programs.

Finally, Chueh-Ho Lin, PT, PhD, National Health Research Institute, delivered “Digital Transformation in Ageing Care through National Policies and Pilot Implementation.” He emphasized the importance of inclusive technologies, accessibility, pilot validation, and awareness of international regulatory impacts to sustain digital ageing care systems.

In conclusion, this forum highlighted strategies like long-term care policies, telehealth, and digital transformation, reflecting a global commitment to supporting healthier and more independent lives for aging populations.