Optimising mobility for older adults with chronic diseases in Brazil: implementing a co design evidence based digital solution

We are excited to share the launch of our international collaboration between the University of Sydney (Australia) and the Universidade Cidade de São Paulo – UNICID (Brazil), approved by the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) and funded by NHMRC (Australia) and FAPESP (Brazil). The project, “Optimising mobility for older adults with chronic diseases in Brazil: implementing a co‑design evidence‑based digital solution”, is delivered in Brazil under the name “De Pé com a Vida” (Standing for life) and focuses on implementing evidence‑based digital exercise programs to prevent falls, and improve mobility and quality of life for older adults living with chronic diseases.

From 8-16 April 2026, researchers from the University of Sydney affiliated with the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health travelled to Brazil to officially launch the project. The visit included collaborative meetings with the Brazilian team, an Implementation Science Workshop for researchers and students, and site visits to Jaguariúna and Bragança Paulista, where the project will be implemented. Led by Chief Investigators Prof Cathie Sherrington and Prof Monica Perracini, the initiative brings together a strong international multidisciplinary team. This team includes members from IMH including Prof Leanne Hassett, Dr Marina Pinheiro, Prof Anne Tiedemann, Dr Abby Haynes, Dr Rik Dawson, Ana Reis, and many other from the Brazilian team. It highlights the importance of global partnerships to translate research into real‑world impact.

We also acknowledge our Australian collaborators who were unable to attend the Brazil visit on this occasion, Professor Jaime Miranda, Professor Andrew Milat, Professor Ian Cameron, Professor Kirsten Howard, and Dr Raaj Kishore Biswas, whose contributions to the project are invaluable.