How will you participate at NKG?
Mariam: In several ways, I have an oral presentation in the “Long-term Care” session, related to my recent publication on person-centered integrated care interventions in Sweden. I will also be a part of the panel discussion on research funding in Sweden, in dialogue with public and private investors. Last but not least, I am a co-head ambassador, which means I’m in charge of volunteer ambassadors at NKG. We have quite a few SWEAH members as volunteers, which is great. I am so thankful for their help with hosting this large conference in Stockholm.
Clare: I am giving an oral presentation on the association between frailty and avoidable hospitalization, also describing how sociodemographic, clinical, and care-related factors moderate this relationship.
"...leave some space and be open..."
Jerry: I am going to present a poster about the quantity and quality of social relations and their associations with loneliness in older adults.
"we have organized quite a few activities"
Helén: I will have a poster presentation based on my article ”The use of digital life stories to support person-centred care of older adults with dementia – A scoping review”. I will also be a conference ambassador.
... scoping review concerning attitudes towards sexuality in residential aged care
Yuge: I will participate in an oral presentation in the session “From Centuries Past to Centenarians: Nordic Longevity in Focus”. It will focus on how disease trajectories differ between Swedish centenarians and their shorter-lived peers at comparable ages earlier in life.
Klara: I will be giving an oral presentation on my scoping review concerning attitudes towards sexuality in residential aged care.
Karin: I have a poster about my systematic review on home rehabilitation in primary care.
Rosalind: I am giving a presentation that looks at the social services of individuals discharged from geriatric inpatient care in Stockholm and examines the association between level of services and 30-day readmission.
Share you best tips how you prepare for a big conference like this!
Mariam: I prepare by planning. Practicing your presentation several times, and right before your timeslot is key from my experience. I generally enjoy public speaking, so conferences are always fun for me. Right now, we are preparing some organizational matters with the organizing committee and the ambassadors, so I got to learn a lot about how large conferences are run. Everyone involved is doing such an amazing job.
Clare: My best tips are to practice my presentation a few times, preferably in front of a friend who doesn’t know about my study, but to make sure not to over-practice so that the presentation stays natural and doesn’t become too scripted. I also like to fit in exercise, bring enough snacks, and make time for rest so I can be fresh and have enough energy to enjoy the conference.
Jerry: I am really trying to think through my three minute presentation while not stressing too much about it. It is my first big conference, and I want it to feel fun and encouraging to participate as a young researcher. I aim to have a great time while still feeling proud of my participation as a researcher.
Helén: A good preparation is trying to arrive well-rested. It is also a good idea to prepare, based on the program, and put together a "schedule" of what not to miss, but at the same time, leave some space and be open for "unplanned" rewarding lectures and impressions.
Yuge: Prepare effectively, I find it helpful to figure out two things - consider what I can contribute to. I hope to share our findings with a broader range of researchers. So, I need to be thoroughly familiar with our study, previous research, and relevant facts related to longevity. I am also one of the conference ambassadors and will actively participate and contribute to the conference in many ways. The second is to consider what I want to learn from the conference. NKG offers several valuable learning opportunities, such as gaining insights into the latest developments in gerontology, being exposed to diverse perspectives, and networking with other researchers. I have been reading newsletters from NKG to familiarize myself with part of the agenda. I plan to prioritize sessions that I am interested in.
Klara: I rehearse my presentation with colleagues at SWEAH, inviting their critical feedback to refine my delivery and content. Additionally, I review related literature to ensure I can confidently address questions and participate in discussions.
Karin: To check the program and make a long priority list, and of course rehearse, rehearse and rehearse.
Rosalind: I’ll be practicing my presentation with colleagues in a few different settings and adapting it based on the feedback I receive.
"It is my first big conference, and I want it to feel fun and encouraging"
What are you most looking forward to at NKG?
Mariam: I have identified several sessions that I would not want to miss, such as those related to long-term care and informal care, my PhD topic, and a session on LGBTQ+ perspectives on ageing. I’m looking forward to the social part of the conference as well, we have organized quite a few activities in the mornings and in the evenings. Hopefully, everyone can find something they’re passionate about and have a nice experience in Stockholm.
Clare: I’m most looking forward to meeting other early-career researchers from different universities and countries, and tuning into as much of the frailty content as possible.
Jerry: I am most looking forward to mingling with fellow doctoral students and engaging in thought-provoking discussions about interesting topics related to my research, especially with leading researchers in the field of loneliness.
Helén: I look forward to networking and enjoying the days and all the wonderful meetings with others. And of course, to get inspiration and learn new things.
Yuge: It is hard to choose, but I am particularly looking forward to our session and constructive feedback on my presentation from an international audience. I am also excited about the networking opportunities that the conference will provide. Moreover, the highlighted keynotes, seminars, and various activities have captured my interest, and I am eager to participate in them.
Klara: I am particularly excited about the networking opportunities at the conference. Meeting other researchers in my field offers a chance to exchange ideas, collaborate on future projects, and gain insights from different perspectives on ageing and care.
Karin: To take part of the latest research and the informal discussions during the conference.
Rosalind: I am really looking forward to some of the keynote speakers - in particular, Jan Semenza’s talk on the health impacts of climate change.
