On the occasion of World Movement Day, which we celebrate every year on May 10, physiotherapy students from Alma Mater Europaea University visited the POLŽ Maribor Care and Work Center.
World Movement Day highlights the importance of regular physical activity for health, well-being, and quality of life.
With their knowledge, energy, and heartfelt dedication, the students prepared a morning full of movement, laughter, and mutual connection. Together with the residents, they demonstrated through various activities that movement not only strengthens the body, but also connects people and creates positive energy.
Movement as the foundation of health and quality of life
World Movement Day encourages people of all generations to adopt a more active lifestyle, as experts point out that regular movement has a significant impact on physical and mental health, reduces the risk of numerous diseases, and improves overall well-being. That is why the students wanted to mark this day in a way that goes beyond classrooms and theory — among people and for people.
Under the mentorship of Senior Lecturer Tatjana Horvat, together with the residents they carried out exercises for balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. The activities were relaxed and playful, yet at the same time professionally well designed, as the students showed through practical examples how even simple movement exercises can help maintain independence, improve stability, and boost confidence in everyday movement.
Connecting professional knowledge, empathy, and practice
What gave the event special value was the warmth of interpersonal relationships. The students brought not only professional knowledge, but above all their time, attention, and a sincere desire to help. Through socializing and movement, they also introduced the residents to the importance of proper exercise, body recovery, and the impact of movement on injury prevention and better overall health.
Such experiences also play an important role in the education of future physiotherapists. Direct contact with people enables them to develop empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of the different needs of individuals, while also confirming that physiotherapy is a profession that combines knowledge, humanity, and dedication to helping others.
The event at VDC POLŽ Maribor thus once again proved on World Movement Day that even small acts, a smile, and an hour of shared movement can create a great deal of positive energy and make an important contribution to the better well-being and quality of life of everyone involved.
