Just defining who is "older" leads to interesting discussions. According to one of today's lecturers, gerontology professor Boo Johansson from the partner University of Gothenburg, it is social constructions that have led to our view of the older adults.
– It's an interesting shift we're experiencing now, it's going to be exciting to talk more about this these days," says PhD student Sanna Hellgren from Kristianstad University.
Older adults have become more and more diverse, today centenarians can live a relatively energetic and active life, while half as old can already feel sick and worn out. The research theories highlight three perspectives on ageing that are all connected in different ways; psychologically, socially and biologically.
SWEAH's coordinator, Professor Susanne Iwarsson and international experts Professor Merril Silverstein from the United States and Danish researcher Suresh Rattan also contributed with a sociological and biological perspective on ageing theories.
The theory course started in March and is part of SWEAH's curriculum, where applicants within the graduate school are prioritized, but also non-affiliated doctoral students can take the courses that are arranged. After the meeting in Lund, with lectures, in-depth group discussions, a joint panel discussion and social evening activity, individual assignments, digital group work and a final seminar await before the final exam is to be submitted on 18 June.
Read more about SWEAH's courses here.
