Lifelong Health: Joint Symposium by the Innovative Learning Environments & JYU.Wisdom

Lifelong Health: Joint Symposium by the Innovative Learning Environments & JYU.Wisdom

The hybrid symposium, which took place both at the University Library (Lähde) and online, attracted participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.The event showcased the importance of combining health and educational research to tackle issues related to cognitive development, active ageing, and overall well-being.

Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi, from the ILE research group, opened the symposium by welcoming the participants and introducing the two distinguished speakers: Professor Samuel Kai Wah Chu from Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Dr. Luis de Miranda from the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies. Their presentations set the stage for a stimulating exchange of ideas and discussions.

Professor Samuel Kai Wah Chu, a multidisciplinary researcher, shared his expertise on active aging through a unique health education program for participants aged 55 and older. The program promotes cognitive, psychological, and physical health by combining culturally stimulating activities and intergenerational learning, where older adults share skills with children. His research demonstrated the powerful impact of cognitively engaging activities on improving the overall well-being of older adults. It highlighted the importance of lifelong learning in maintaining mental and physical health.

Dr. Luis de Miranda, a senior researcher in practical philosophy, introduced the concept of philosophical health-a holistic approach to human flourishing and planetary well-being. He explored how philosophical reflection can enhance individual health and contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the planet. Dr. de Miranda also took the opportunity to introduce his new book, "Philosophical Health: A Practical Introduction," published by Bloomsbury in August 2024, and presented his C.I.P.H.E.R. model (Crealectic Intelligence & Philosophy Health for Enriched Realities). The model offers a framework for integrating philosophical thinking into everyday life to promote enriched realities for personal and planetary health.

On behalf of the ILE research group, Dr. Tiina-Maria Mäkelä introduced the Joyful School Erasmus+ project, which focuses on enhancing students' well-being and cognitive development through joyful and engaging learning experiences. Orsolya Tuba followed with a presentation on further ILE Erasmus+ projects, such as Scissors and Scrappies, which promote sustainability and action competence in education, emphasizing the need for a planetary well-being perspective in school curriculums. All projects underscored the role of innovative educational practices in fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for learners of all ages.

Interactive Discussions and Key Takeaways

The symposium concluded with an engaging discussion among the speakers and participants, delving into the challenges and opportunities of using various technologies to support active aging and lifelong well-being. Participants explored the role of multi-disciplinary perspectives in addressing health issues across the lifespan, particularly how education, philosophy, and technology can contribute to a more integrated understanding of well-being.

The event highlighted the critical importance of collaborative, transdisciplinary approaches to lifelong health and learning, and laid the groundwork for future partnerships and research initiatives that bridge the gap between health, education, and planetary sustainability.

Contact Information:

Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi ([email protected])

Dr. Josephine Lau ([email protected])

Finnish Institute for Educational Research,

Agora, B435.2,

PO Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä