In the course, the interconnection between ageing, social change, and the sustainability problems of societies from a national, Scandinavian, European, and global perspective is introduced. Moreover, the foundations and history of the Swedish welfare system are addressed. Knowledge is provided on how demographic change interferes with shifts in working lives, health, care, and old-age care as well as pension systems. Moreover, the political and financial implications of demographic trends and how they shape the lives of the ageing population are discussed. The contemporary political and scientific discourse in this field is presented and analysed, giving a fertile ground for problematization on the topics of care, welfare, and policies on extended working lives.
Ageing, Welfare, and the Sustainability of Societies
7.5 creditsMeet the course coordinator
Indre Genelyte
The course coordinator Indre talks about the course content. You are warmly welcome to apply for the course at Linköping University.
Meet the student Surabhi
The topic of social inequalities based on age, sex, and disabilities is my area of interest. This was offering practical understanding of how the social issue of ageing and society work at the level of policy making, and it was interesting for me. The most interesting (or most relevant) was the issue of sustainability of societies with relation to ageing, because that not only addresses the present but also the future of societies.
What do you enjoy most about the course?
The interactive nature of the course was the most enjoyable. It gave me the platform to learn from my peers and get the most out of the course.
How would you describe this course to someone interested in it?
It is course that inducts you into learning and understanding various aspects of policy making with respect to ageing population and societies. By the end of it you will have a fair idea of the efforts our societies are making to sustainably include the ageing population in the process of policy making.
In what ways has this course been beneficial to you?
For me, the course has been particularly helpful in developing a critical view and understanding of the inclusion of the ageing population in policy making.
Meet Ioakeim Vravas
What motivated you to choose this course?
I landed on this course as part of the Master’s Ageing and Social Change curriculum, but I was surprised to see non-master’s students attending it, which added to its unique interdisciplinary nature. Ageing is often presented as a predominately welfare burden, so I wanted to understand better this relationship of the two. And guess what: I found out it is not! Or at least, it is not just that…
What do you enjoy most about the course?
The way it brings down the theoretical debates to the actual world’s issues, through a methodology connected to what someone working in the field does: researching, presenting papers, debating, writing blogs… This hands-on approach while learning kept my enthusiasm growing and my perceptions challenged and broadening on the links between ageing and climate justice, eldercare system, migration, crises and finances.
How would you describe this course to someone interested in it?
Not-to-miss! A modern course that helps you understand the intersections of the current major challenges with a focus shift from teaching to learning. A must, not only for those interested in ageing and demographics, but for all those engaged in making our societies more equitable and inclusive.
In what ways has this course been beneficial to you?
Without a second thought, I feel much better equipped to understand and analyze the standing policy and scientific discourses around ageing and its implications on sustainability. Given my research focus on the role of ageing in local development, this course has provided me with a solid foundation to better understand the interconnections between these areas. It has also helped me refine my research interests and aspirations while calibrating the build-up of my humanitarian career to a focus on development.