Understanding and Preventing Ageism: Research, Innovation and Policy Considerations
Overview
| Funding line | global_innovation |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Faculty/Chair | Department of Psychology and Healthy Longevity Center |
| Project leader | Dr. Burcu Demiray |
Project Description
Innovative project idea
- The combination of theory/science and application of science into innovation (e.g., social business examples) and policy considerations is innovative. Most psychology courses are very theoretical and based on scientific research only. I am the only scholar in the department that has created and taught a “psychological science and innovation” course (2022 and 2023) focusing on the transfer of scientific findings into social businesses.
- The e-learning module (for asynchronous learning) is innovative, as Psychology Department rarely invests in this method of teaching.
- I would be happy to share the e-learning materials and Videobibliothek with senior students around the globe (e.g., students of Seniors Universities for 60+, participants of our EU project “Erasmus+60”). Our aim is to make education as inclusive as possible and accessible to senior learners (even though they do not receive accreditation for their learning).
Added value for students and teaching
WHO and UN promote “educational activities” as one of the most efficient anti-ageism interventions. Thus, it is crucial to educate our younger generation about this harmful social phenomenon and to support them in being more sensitive citizens. With its nice balance between theoretical/scientific versus applied/innovation aspects, the course will attract students with diverse learning interests and needs. Furthermore, Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a concept that is becoming more and more important and highlighted in all sorts of organizations, especially the workforce. As ageism is part of the DEI concept, it is crucial to prepare students for their upcoming careers.