IAF Modules on Healthy Ageing in Autumn Semester 2025

What promotes a long and healthy life? How do nutrition and technology influence ageing? In the autumn semester 2025, the Institute for Ageing Research (IAF) at OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is offering three interdisciplinary modules as part of the IKTS programme. These modules combine current research, self-reflection and practical application, and are open to students from various disciplines.

Healthy Living and Longevity
In this module students develop a holistic understanding of the key factors influencing health and lifespan. They learn to create scientifically grounded and personalized strategies for a balanced lifestyle.
Learning blocks:

• Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine
• Personal Strategies for Healthy Aging
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Quality of Life

Teaching-Team: Prof. Dr. Sabine Hoidn, Dr. Stefanie Wiloth (IAF), Simone Eicher (IAF), Cora Pauli (IAF), Monika Freund Schoch (IAF)

Sustainable Nutrition for Body, Mind and Climate
Students reflect on their lifestyle, analyze their ecological footprint and develop a sustainable nutrition concept. A highlight: cooking the “perfect menu” and presenting it in an explainer video.

Teaching-Team:  Stefanie Wiloth (IAF), Andrea Renz (Department of Health), Timo Oliveri  (Departmentof Economy), Daniela Zölly-Hofmann (a Nutrition Science Expert)

Healthy Aging with AI
Based on the WHO concept of “healthy ageing”, students develop AI-based solutions for challenges such as autonomy, mental health and social participation in old age. Ideas range from smart homes and health monitoring to connected learning platforms.

Teaching-Team: Simone Eicher (IAF), Michael Schmid (ICAI), Cornelia Ursprung (IAF)

These modules foster creative ideas for an ageing society and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration at OST.