In view of the progressive ageing of the Portuguese population and the increase in the incidence of age-related chronic diseases, NOVA Medical School, in collaboration with CUF, is presenting Senior Medical School: Summer Edition - an initiative aimed at the 50+ population who want to look after their health in an active and informed way.
Taking place between 30 June and 4 July 2025 at the Santana Campus in Lisbon, this edition of the Senior Medical School offers an intensive week of practical and participatory training for people aged between 50 and 80. The aim is to empower participants with knowledge and effective strategies for health promotion and chronic disease management, contributing to more autonomous, informed and healthy ageing.
Using interactive and personalised methodologies, the programme includes sessions on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, fall prevention, first aid and preparation for medical appointments. It also includes nutrition and physical function screenings, practical training classes, culinary medicine sessions, cultural activities and themed workshops on heart and rheumatic diseases. A wide range of recognised experts in their respective clinical and scientific fields take part in the initiative, ensuring a rigorous approach that is accessible and adapted to the real needs of the target population.
With limited places, Senior Medical School: Summer Edition reinforces NOVA Medical School's and CUF's commitment to serving the population, promoting health literacy and encouraging a more participatory and active role for citizens in managing their own health, helping them to better prepare for the challenges of ageing.
"Senior Medical School: Summer Edition is much more than a course - it's an opportunity to empower older people to take an active role in managing their health. We want each participant to feel more prepared, informed and confident to face the challenges of ageing, with the support of dedicated professionals and a close, practical and personalised approach," says Ana Rodrigues, coordinator of the Senior Medical School, rheumatologist and professor at NOVA Medical School.
‘At CUF we believe that promoting health literacy among the senior population is a fundamental step towards healthier, more autonomous ageing with a better quality of life,’ says Catarina Gouveia, Executive Director of CUF, emphasising that ‘the partnership with NOVA Medical School in Senior Medical School: Summer Edition reflects our commitment to contributing to a society that is better informed and prepared for the challenges of longevity, while at the same time allowing us to be present throughout everyone's life, in all their moments and circumstances.’
Senior Medical School represents a natural and strategic extension of the already consolidated Summer Medical School: Lifestyle, a visionary and pioneering project of NOVA Medical School launched in 2022, which focuses on the health training of the younger generations. In a symbolic moment of intergenerational sharing, the participants of Summer Medical School: Lifestyle and Senior Medical School: Summer Edition meet in a joint activity, promoting dialogue and activities between generations around health, prevention and the adoption of healthy lifestyles.