Welcome to your future: Centenarians of Switzerland
Description: Most people want to become old, but nobody wants to be old. This ambiguity, dominating much of the discussion on old age, reflects the mismatch between wanting a long life, but being afraid of potential age-related physical, cognitive and social consequences. Nonetheless, reaching very old age has already become a new reality in most developed countries, with the very old representing the fastest growing group of the population. This longevity revolution will lead to notable challenges for the person, families, and society, urgently calling for solutions. Yet, the societal dialogue is underdeveloped and dominated by aging stereotypes, as very little is known about this late life phase given that empirical evidence is limited. This Agora project aims to disseminate novel scientific knowledge on the life and characteristics of centenarians in Switzerland, with the goal of informing the wider public and stakeholders about this overlooked and underserved population, to stimulate the strongly needed dialogue and the development of sustainable solutions for the future. As a secondary aim, the Agora project aims at questioning and correcting aging stereotypes, to reduce the impact of such beliefs on the actual aging of young and old individuals. This Agora proposal is based on the SWISS100 SNSF Sinergia Project, the first nation-wise study on centenarians in Switzerland. As an interdisciplinary project, we have developed a comprehensive knowledge base on medical, psychological, and sociological characteristics on over 400 Swiss centenarians, their life trajectories and current life circumstances. Based on a close cooperation between scientists and artists (photographer, scenographer) the Agora project uses innovative means to transmit knowledge, stimulate dialogue and solution development through a multi-disciplinary perspective, co-design and participatory approach, and inclusive science-society dialogue. Our concept includes three program modules, an exhibition, a book, and a stakeholder conference, addressing different audiences with complementary approaches. The exhibition offers a person-focused approach in which 28 centenarians allow the public a very personal view on their life via photos, life stories and words of wisdom. The presented material is a co-creation between centenarians, scientists and photographer. A complementary perspective is provided through a group-focused approach in which researchers present empirical findings on the life and characteristics of the larger representative group of SWISS100 centenarians. To further enhance reflection, immersive and interactive exhibition elements will be developed (e.g., Centenarian Aging Quiz; virtual aging accelerator; wishboard for old age; innovation contest) to stimulate the visitors’ thinking about their own aging and development, and to positively influence negative aging stereotypes. The exhibition will also stimulate the dialog among generations (e.g., discussion areas, student and senior volunteers) and between the wider public, stakeholders, and researchers (e.g., vernissage, finissage with round-table discussions). The book will combine the co-created photos and life stories (person focus) and scientific chapters (group focus) written for the wider public, resulting in a lasting outcome that will bundle important information on centenarians and will attract a different type of audience. Public book presentations with centenarians and researchers interacting with the public, round-table discussions with additional experts, and exchange via our webpage will stimulate dialogue. The conference will bring together stakeholders (e.g., public health managers, politicians, administrators, associations, very olds) to exchange on SWISS100 findings, to discuss challenges and needs, and to develop innovative solutions. Integrating centenarians, the audience and stakeholders as co-creation partners in the science communication process, we aim for a more inclusive science-society dialogue that will increase the understanding on very old age, reduce stereotypes and generational barriers. Our ultimate goal is to allow more individuals to age in an optimal societal context, supported by innovative means accounting for their needs and diversity, and to achieve healthy longevity in high quality of life until very old age.
Amount: CHF 199,600
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: Agora
Start date: 2025-05-01
End date: 2026-10-31
Investigator: Jopp, Daniela
Institution: University of Lausanne – LA
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 231097
OpenAlex ID: G3812202067