From Occupational Therapy to Environmental Gerontology

Abstract

Based on reflections on childhood experiences, my autobiography starts out from completing professional training as an occupational therapist. After academic studies in gerontology, I pursued PhD education in public health, with a specific interest in housing and health issues related to aging and disability. My early scientific work was concentrated to methodology development based on the notion of person-environment fit, with the Housing Enabler instrument as a recognized contribution. Crucial research career steps were establishing collaboration with public transport planning, and coordinating the ENABLE-AGE project engaging colleagues in five European countries. In addition to describing my research achievements over a period of 25 years, this chapter includes reflections on how unforeseen events boosted my development as an academic leader. Key facets include establishing the interdisciplinary research environment Centre for Ageing and Supportive Environments and the Swedish National Graduate School for Competitive Science on Ageing and Health. With home, health, and disability dynamics at the core, my research has expanded to focus on user participation in research, health promotion, and rehabilitation for specific diagnose groups, and environmental facets such as use of assistive technology. A challenge for coming years is to continuously reframe research priorities based on societal developments and challenges. (Less)