Master's Degree in Exercise & Health opens school year focused on active ageing

On 14 October, Lusófona University - Porto University Centre marked the start of the 2026/27 academic year for the Master's Degree in Exercise and Health, part of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (FDEF), with a session dedicated to the role of physical activity in promoting healthy ageing.

According to Eduardo Teixeira, Director of the Master's Degree in Exercise and Health at Lusófona University - Porto University Centre, the programme aims to “train exercise professionals, exercise specialists and experts in the application of exercise and physical activity and their interaction with health”.

The session featured Emília Alves, coordinator of the Meno(s) Pausa ♀ Movimento programme, who highlighted the contribution of physical exercise to disease prevention, the maintenance of functional abilities and the reduction of social isolation, with particular attention to women going through menopause and cancer survivors. In her address, she emphasised the role of future Lusófona University professionals in responding to these needs, stating that Master's students could “always be an asset” to society.

The importance of promoting active ageing was also addressed by María Spratley, a 50+ Gymnastics instructor. Drawing on her experience, she highlighted the importance of motivation in physical activity, arguing that age should not be seen as “something that holds you back”.

Although they approached the subject from different perspectives, both talks emphasised the importance of accessible, adapted physical exercise as part of health promotion strategies that value people regardless of their age, gender or health status.

As Eduardo Teixeira pointed out, sharing these experiences and community programmes is “very relevant” to strengthening the connection between the university and the wider community. In this regard, the Master's programme director also highlighted the opportunities for collaboration arising from these meetings, particularly in hosting students for placements and developing dissertations on areas of shared interest.

Ultimately, the opening session of the 2026/27 Master's Degree in Exercise and Health conveyed a message that extended beyond the walls of the Salão Nobre: more than just a training tool, physical exercise is a means of preserving independence, restoring confidence and opening up new possibilities at different stages of life.

View the event photographs on Lusófona University's Facebook page

Credits

Text and Video Editing
Sara Tello

Event Coverage
Helena Gonçalves