Embodiment and aging in contemporary physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Contemporary discourses in the health sciences vary in their treatment of aging bodies and the mind–body relationship, yet our understanding of aging experiences and health care practices can be limited by an overreliance on biomedical or social constructionist approaches alone. This paper offers a conceptual exploration of embodiment as an innovative approach to enhance our understandings of aging bodies and health in physiotherapy practice. Embodiment attends to body and mind, nature and culture, structure and agency, while appreciating differences in aging bodies and health in aging. Conclusions consider embodiment in the practice and disciplinary discourse of contemporary physiotherapy, specifically, considering the ways embodied perspectives can support therapists in their health care practice and relationships with people with aging bodies.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging
• embodiment
• health
• older adults
• physiotherapy

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the substantial contributions of Dr. Stephen Katz, whose suggestions inspired thoughtfulness and reflection, and ultimately led to a focused, cohesive article.

Declaration of interest

There are no conflicts of interest reported.