On October 18, 2025, professors Anita Pipere, Aleksejs Ruža, Dzintra Iliško, and assistant professor Jeļena Badjanova delivered a keynote presentation titled “Perspectives of Seniors in Academia: Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Healthy Ageing” at the 20th International Academic Conference “Social Sciences for Regional Development 2025”.

They addressed the increasingly important issue of ageing within academic contexts, situating their discussion in both global and local frameworks. The presenters emphasized that as societies worldwide experience demographic shifts and the academic workforce continues to age, there is a growing need to understand and support the well-being and professional engagement of senior scholars. This presentation aligns with the Open EU project’s framework for promoting underrepresented groups.

In exploring the mental health and well-being of older adults, the authors highlighted the psychological, social, and professional challenges that may accompany the later stages of academic careers. They discussed the importance of fostering environments that value intergenerational collaboration, lifelong learning, and the meaningful inclusion of senior academics as mentors, researchers, and thought leaders.

The presenters outlined not only the challenges but also offered practical solutions and recommendations aimed at promoting healthy ageing and active participation of seniors in academia. These included implementing flexible institutional policies, developing mentorship and peer support programs, encouraging intergenerational dialogue, and utilizing digital technologies to maintain intellectual engagement and independence.

The authors contributed to an important global dialogue on ageing, inclusion, and sustainability, reaffirming the role of academia in fostering equitable, diverse, and supportive environments for scholars of all generations.

Further information:
Daugavpils University professor, Ph. D. Dzintra Iliško
dzintra.ilisko@du.lv