Healthy Ageing is one the strategic priorities of Hanze (UAS). This was set out in the 2010-2015 Roadmap to Quality strategic policy plan. The strategy is concerned with growing up healthily and ageing actively and healthily. In mid-2010, a decision was made to further develop Healthy Ageing as a programme. Healthy Lifestyle will be paramount in the forthcoming period, with a focus on movement, nutrition, work and the living environment.
A large number of people are actively contributing to this theme within the university, both through courses and via practice-oriented research. Collaborative ventures are underway with partners such as the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), the University of Groningen, the other universities of applied sciences in the north, big companies and SMEs, and municipal and provincial authorities. Within Hanze (UAS), over 20 bachelor’s and master’s degree courses have incorporated the theme of Healthy Ageing into their programmes. These include not just health care degree programmes such as Nursing and Physiotherapy, but Life Sciences, Personnel Management and Sports Studies too. There are also special programmes on Healthy Ageing: a minor and an honours programme.
A great deal of practice-oriented research is focusing on various aspects of Healthy Ageing. Within the university’s different centres of applied research and innovation, over 15 professorships are exploring this topic. Around 50 lecturer/researchers are working on this theme, and some 15 staff are conducting PhD research in this field.
Innovation is a key element in various ongoing Healthy Ageing projects, which are being carried out in conjunction with partner organisations and industry professionals. In all of these, Hanze (UAS) is endeavouring to create connections between research and education, and is contributing to innovation in professional practice.