Honouring Outstanding Contributions to the Care of Older People

IPTOP is proud to announce a year-long celebration marking 25 years of advancing physiotherapy care for older adults worldwide.

Throughout 2027, IPTOP will honour 28 individuals — one nominated by each of our member countries — whose work over the past 25 years has made an exceptional contribution to the profession and to the care of older people. Each nominee will be featured across IPTOP’s social media channels and in our member newsletter over the course of the anniversary year.

Why This Celebration

For 25 years, IPTOP has championed the role of physiotherapy in helping older people. This milestone is an opportunity to recognise the individuals whose clinical practice, research, teaching, advocacy, and leadership have shaped the profession, and to share their stories with the global physiotherapy community.

What We’re Looking For

Each member country is invited to nominate one individual whose contribution reflects exceptional impact in areas such as:

• Clinical innovation — pioneering new models of care or treatment approaches now used widely
• Research and scholarship — work that has shaped how we understand and treat ageing and age-related conditions
• Education and mentorship — building programs and training the next generation of clinicians
• Policy and advocacy — improving older people’s access to rehabilitation through influence on health policy
• Leadership — founding or transforming national associations and professional networks
• Community impact — expanding access to underserved or marginalised older populations
• Global contribution — cross-border knowledge exchange or humanitarian work

How the Celebration Will Run

Starting in January 2027, IPTOP will spotlight one or more nominees each month across our social media platforms and newsletter, sharing their story and the impact of their work.

 

Get Involved

Member associations should submit their nomination through their Member Country Representative (MCR). MCR’s can email their countries nomination to communications@IPTOP-physio.org

Follow along throughout 2027 as we celebrate the people who have shaped physiotherapy care for older people across the globe.