This course offers an interdisciplinary (socio-economic and demographic) insight into health and ageing. What is health and how is it measured? What are the challenges for a society and what can we expect in terms of inequalities?   The biological process of aging is closely linked to health. Further, we observe an demographic trend called population aging. Aging can be a challenge both on an individual and societal level.   This course will introduce measures of health and aging. It will explore current and future challenges as well as opportunities. In addition the concept of sustainable aging will be developed.

At the end of this course, students will have acquired the following knowledge:    

• how health is measured - both at the individual level and at the population level  
• what are determinants of health inequality  
• how the environment (built, natural, and social) influences health  
• what sustainable aging is and where future challenges but also potentials can be expected?  
• the ability to evaluate different interventions in terms of their impact on health, well-being and sustainable aging.  

This course is classified as 'Examination-immanent' (in German, 'Prüfungsimmanent,' often abbreviated as 'PI'). As a general rule, PI courses have compulsory attendance. However, one class can be missed without negatively affecting the grade. If known in advance, absences must be announced by email to the lecturer ahead of time (e.g., in cases of conflicting class schedules). Missing class for medical reasons (e.g., accident or illness) will not count against the participation requirements as long as a doctor's note can be provided. No makeup assignments will be provided in case of missed assessments. More details on absenteeism rules will be explained in the first class.

This course includes lectures, readings (case studies) and group projects/presentations. Special emphasis is placed on an engaging experience achieved through adequate interaction and discussion.

participation in discussions (30%)  presentations and group work (35%)  Final exam (35%)

Course enrollment is based on the 'first-come, first-served' principle. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your place is available to students on the waiting list. If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students on the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period and will be allocated to available places. Students will be ranked by progress in their studies, not by their rank on the waiting list. This procedure, however, is not to be understood as a guarantee of class space.

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