Aging in focus: The challenges of today's senior life!

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On March 25, 2025, the Aging Research Network at Heidelberg University will discuss cultural aspects of aging at the “Aging in Different Cultures” event.

Am 25. März 2025 diskutiert das Netzwerk AlternsfoRschung der Uni Heidelberg beim Event „Altern in verschiedenen Kulturen“ kulturelle Aspekte des Alterns.
On March 25, 2025, the Aging Research Network at Heidelberg University will discuss cultural aspects of aging at the “Aging in Different Cultures” event.

Aging in focus: The challenges of today's senior life!

On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Network Aging Research (NAR) at Heidelberg University is organizing a significant event entitled “Aging in Different Cultures”. This event will take place in Lecture Hall 13 at the New University in Heidelberg and is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event aims to shed light on different facets of aging in diverse cultural contexts and thus offers a platform for interdisciplinary exchange.

A total of three lectures will be given by renowned experts from different disciplines. Dr. Fanja Riedel-Wendt will speak on the topic of “culturally sensitive psychotherapy” and shed light on the role of values, norms and cultural influences on psychological experience. In addition, she will discuss the importance of biographical factors in therapeutic interventions.

Diverse perspectives on aging

The second lecture will be by Dr. Swetlana Torno, a specialist in social anthropology. It provides insights into the lives of seniors in Tajikistan whose children live in other countries. In her lecture she will address the intergenerational dynamics of mobility and care and the role of labor migration as an important source of income.

The series is rounded off by Prof. Dr. Dr. Rainer Sauerborn, who speaks about health and political challenges for aging societies in Africa. He will also present proposals for material security for people in informal sectors, such as farmers and small traders.

After the lectures there is the opportunity to ask questions from the audience, which promotes exchange with the speakers. The lectures will also be simultaneously interpreted into German Sign Language (DGS) to ensure barrier-free communication. For those who cannot be on site, online participation is offered, but without DGS interpretation.

Interdisciplinary exchange and current studies

The Aging Research Network brings together experts from the humanities and natural sciences, medicine and economics who are intensively involved in various aspects of aging. In addition to the upcoming event, the network is also dedicated to current research questions. For example, Lauenroth et al. (2025) examined the use of aging simulation suits to promote empathy for older people. Their results are published in the book “Sustainable Aging”.

In addition, a feasibility study by Gerlach et al. (2024) on individualized virtual reality in palliative cancer care in the journal BMC Palliative Care. This study highlights innovative approaches to patient care. The role of social networks in everyday interactions is also discussed by Roos et al. (2024) analyzes and shows the importance of interpersonal contacts.

In order to take part in the event, registration is required. Anyone interested can register at kontakt@nar.uni-heidelberg.de. Admission is free and the event promises to provide valuable insights into the topic of alternating cultures.

In summary, Heidelberg University reports that the topic of aging is important worldwide and will be taken into account at this event. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the impact of cultural differences on aging and the challenges and opportunities this presents. For more information, see NAR – Aging Research Network and the details of the event University of Heidelberg events.