On September 29, 2025, a pivotal seminar focusing on the evolution of care provision for older individuals took place in Sweden. Coordinated by Omsorgsforum, the event featured Isabelle von Saenger, a postdoctoral researcher at the Aging Research Center (ARC) at Karolinska Institutet. She shared critical insights from her thesis, which investigates changes in elderly care over the past three decades.
Engaging Discussions on Care Challenges
The seminar attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including leaders from civil society, professional sectors, and political spheres, all dedicated to improving the future of elderly care. The panel discussion sparked by von Saenger’s presentation included notable figures such as Maria Larsson, President of SPF Seniorerna; Liselotte Björk, founder of Seniorglädje and former Chair of the Swedish Dementia Association; Tobias Smedberg, Chair of the Committee on Primary Care and Elderly Care at SKR; and Nike Örbrink, a member of the same committee. The panel also featured Anna Tenje, the Minister for Older People and Social Security.
During the discussions, participants tackled a variety of pressing issues facing elderly care today. Topics included the adequacy of existing services, resource allocation, and the importance of collaborative approaches to meet future demands. The conversation emphasized that collective thinking is essential for addressing the complex realities of care.
Research-Driven Policy Development
A particularly significant moment occurred when von Saenger presented her doctoral thesis to Minister Tenje. This gesture underscored the vital role of research in shaping policies that affect older populations. By bridging the gap between academia and government, the seminar highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making in the realm of elderly care.
For those interested in exploring the discussions further, the seminar is available to view online. The comprehensive recording titled Omsorgens gränser – om likvärdighet, behov och vardagens verklighet can be found on YouTube, providing valuable insights into the challenges and solutions discussed by the panel.
This seminar marks a significant step towards improving elderly care in Sweden, fostering collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders to ensure that the needs of older individuals are effectively addressed.
