The entrance exam for the Fisioterapia program at Unaerp Guarujá is set for May 23, 2026. Prospective students must register by May 17 online or by May 20 in person to secure their spot.
This academic milestone arrives as Brazil's demographic landscape shifts dramatically. The country's population is aging rapidly, a trend that is fundamentally reshaping the healthcare sector and creating significant new opportunities for physiotherapy professionals.
Professor Ana Paula de Siqueira, coordinator of the Fisioterapia course at Unaerp Guarujá, highlights the scale of this change. She notes that Brazil is experiencing a population pyramid inversion, with the number of elderly citizens set to surpass the young by 2050. This transformation is already felt in daily practice.
The role of physiotherapy has expanded far beyond traditional injury rehabilitation. Preventive care is now a primary focus, especially within the public health system. The SUS, Brazil's unified health system, handles 75% of care for this aging population, making physiotherapists a crucial component of public health infrastructure.
Modern physiotherapy for the elderly encompasses a holistic approach. It includes physical activities like stretching and strength training, but also addresses social interaction and cognitive stimulation through group activities and mental exercises. The goal is to enhance overall quality of life, autonomy, and mental well-being.
To meet this growing demand, Unaerp Guarujá's curriculum integrates gerontology from the first year. Students receive comprehensive training that blends theory with extensive practical experience. During their final-year internships, approximately half of the patients they treat are elderly, providing real-world exposure in health units, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
The profession demands both technical skill and deep empathy. As Professor Siqueira emphasizes, caring for the elderly is about listening and providing holistic support. Choosing this career path is an investment in a field with a clear and expanding future, aligned with society's evolving needs.
Based on reporting from g1.