Master Vitality and Ageing YEARBOOK
Leiden
Leiden
Text
Design
“Your health is the most important thing.”
Dear V&A/HAS students,
All of us in the yearbook committee want to express our warmest greetings and congratulations to each of you that graduated in this 2023-2024 cohort. We are immensely proud of everything you all achieved both individually and collectively this year. We would like to thank everyone in this Master’s program for your involvement, contributions and connections, which have made it possible for us to create this yearbook as a beautiful and cherished memory for the future.
We chose the theme ‘The circle of life’ for this year. The theme represents the HAS master, but more importantly represents our cohort well. Everyone here is moving onto the next step, whether this is starting work or something else, moving on to the next stage in the circle of life. We wish everyone the best of luck pursuing their happiness and hope everyone has a bright future ahead.
We have all invested a great deal of time and effort into creating this yearbook, and we hope it will serve as a meaningful keepsake for many years to come.
Stay vital and age well!
Warm regards,
The Yearbook Committee 2023-2024
Aimée van den Brink, Elise de Bruin, Yuan Boonacker, Lisanne van ‘t Walderveen, Thomas Drop, Sandra van de Venne
Dear classmates,
Let us start off by thanking each and every one of you for the amazing year we have had. This cohort has been something truly special, and it was an honour to represent all of you. In our role, we asked you for feedback, organized activities, and created an amazing sweater design enjoyed by many. But as students, we look back most fondly on the memories and friends we have made.
Studying to advance our knowledge and support for our aging society, we anticipated encountering kindhearted people, and you did not disappoint. Engrossed in the subjects given, motivated to create change, and ready for the next step within your careers is a fitting description for each and every one of you.
We eagerly anticipate witnessing the great achievements each of you will undoubtedly accomplish after graduation, whether that is this year or the next.
To our full-time students, we will miss the lunches shared in the restaurant, learning from each other’s bachelor’s knowledge, and the insightful discussions we had between lectures. This year could be described as intense at some points, but we made it!
To our part-time students, despite all the other things we have in addition to this master's, our group managed to graduate this year or successfully complete the first year. This is a great achievement!
The Fridays with lectures were very enjoyable and your enthusiasm was very inspiring: we learned a lot with and from each other last year, thank you!
Thank you for your ongoing support and best wishes for the future,
Finley Chair Member OLC
Ania | Secretary
Silke | Treasurer & Member Activities
Juanita | Member GOES
Rochnie | Member GOES
Karin | Member OLC
Yuan | Member OLC
Musa | Member PR
Dear alumni,
We want to congratulate you on this great accomplishment!
It goes without saying that we are very proud to have been part of the journey leading up towards this accomplishment during the past academic year: yóur Vitality & Ageing master-journey. Although you did not always see us, we were always very busy behind the scenes with supporting course coordinators and senior staff members, who referred to us as the A&A-team. Every Friday, Anneke was the busy bee for you parttime students, carrying around ‘het Uiltje’ and making sure everyone could participate during class. But Anneke could also be seen accompanying Anne during presentations and other events of the fulltime students. Anne was the busy bee for you fulltime students, helping everybody in every possible way as good as she could.
Dear alumni,
I want to congratulate you on finishing the master program!!
Two years ago I did the master Vitality & Ageing myself. I liked the fantastic atmosphere and creativity during the master, the space to personalize the program and the broad range of possibilities after the master. I really hope you had these experiences as well. This year, you saw me every now and then during working groups. As we Dutchies would say ‘de cirkel is rond’ (the circle is closed). I was the junior lecturer for the minor students and I helped during the master when needed. I was lucky to give the fun
And then there was another busy bee, Ilse, making course modules, puzzling through module books and complex excel sheets. Not that long ago, however, the A&A-team walked through the same LUMC labyrinth-corridors as students of the master Vitality & Ageing. Instead of welcoming lecturers, we listened to their interesting sharings. Instead of improving the educational programme, we provided feedback through GOES questionnaires. Instead of filling in rubrics during presentations, we checked rubrics to see what was expected from us. Who knows, maybe this -circle of V&A life- is exactly what you are waiting for?
All in all, we loved being your junior lecturers, your first point of contact, and most of all, we loved making this master a happy place for you ��.
working groups such as the ageing suits with Parkinson gloves, the debate and the negotiation and crisis games. I also joined on the trip to Cologne and you might have seen me at the Geriatrics depar tment during your internship. It was an amazing learning journey, not just for you, but for me as well.
I loved how passionate and enthusiastic you were about caring for older persons. And I also loved seeing you grow during the year. Here's to the Master on Vitality and Aging, and to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I hope you’ll find the career path you’re looking for and I wish you lots of fun along the way!!
Best, Denise Abbel
Anneke and Anne
Dear alumni,
It has been an amazing year and it’s hard to grasp that the year is almost over. It was very exciting to see you all on the first day. I remember that you were crammed in lecture hall 2, which was too small to fit you all in. Also I remember I was really surprised that there were so many men participating in the programme this year! In combination with the many international students and diverse backgrounds, this definitely was a diverse year. I am still wondering where you all came from and how you found us ��. In the master team I am, among other things, responsible for organizing the social events and study trip. My work usually takes place in the background, so for me it was a great joy to be able to meet you during these
activities. It was fun to see you are such a social bunch and that so many of you participated in the activities.
We started off with a pubquiz in Future Perspectives and we finished with the very enjoyable pubquiz and drinks at the end of OAS, making the year circle complete. I am looking forward to having some final drinks with you at the graduation event and wish you all the best for the future!
Dear alumni,
This year I started working at the master’s as student assistant, helping the wonderful V&A-team. I did most of my work behind the scenes, writing you e-mails, organizing Brightspace and Kaltura and much more. Coming from the Law Faculty, my first weeks in the LUMC felt like a drunk trip through a big maze, getting lost multiple times a week. After my many trips to the lecture halls and working group rooms to install the famous and well-loved Owl, I’ve finally learnt my way through the LUMC-maze. Now, the Circle of my LUMC Life is finally
complete. It was a pleasure getting to meet you this year and I wish you all the very best with your Healthy Ageing careers in Society.
Luís Daniele | Student Assistant
By Yuan Boonacker
The introduction day for the Master’s program in Vitality and Ageing started with a well-prepared lunch at Education Building 3. This event was the first opportunity for students and staff members to meet each other, setting the stage for the academic year 2023-2024. After lunch, the students embarked on a scavenger hunt to explore the beautiful city of Leiden. This scavenger was not only a fun activity but also a way for students to get to know the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The scavenger started at the Museum Volkenkunde, which used to be the academic hospital of Leiden.
As the scavenger hunt continued, students took creative photos on the Rembrandt Bridge with the iconic mill ‘de Put’ in the background, capturing the picturesque landscape of Leiden. The students visited locations connected to Rembrandt van Rijn, one of Leiden's most famous residents, emphasizing the city's artistic heritage. This part of the hunt included taking photos to highlight Leiden as Rembrandt’s birthplace.
A visit to Leiden University was another highlight of the day. Students found the building that houses the graduation ceremonies and the famous ‘Sweat Room’ where graduates leave their signatures. This visit was particularly meaningful as it connected the students to a long tradition of academic excellence and achievement.
Students also located the oldest building in Leiden and took photos portraying vitality, reflecting the theme of their master's program. The visit to Museum De Lakenhal, which highlights Leiden’s visual arts, history, and applied arts, was another stop. This museum celebrates Leiden's past and its annual holiday on October 3rd, which commemorates the relief of the Spanish siege of Leiden. Here, students took group photos to show their celebration of ‘het Leidens ontzet,’ connecting with local traditions.
The final stop was the windmill Molen de Valk, built in 1743. At this historic site, students answered questions about the oldest resident of Leiden, bringing the scavenger hunt to an educational end.
The introduction day was an experience that allowed students to bond and to know more about Leiden as a city. On September 23rd, part of our cohort will be graduating in the very 'Sweat Room' we visited, marking the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
Sandra van de Venne
Dear students,
Thank you all for working so enthusiastically within the Research and Evidence weeks. We started the year with the Quantitative research week. Here we had the unique opportunity to incorporate the educational activities within the project called “The Research Cycle”. You, as the master V&A students could design and develop a flashpoll about mental health and their relation with positive health and vitality. Your ideas were discussed in a working group with an elderly of the advisory board. We even combined some of your flash polls which were then actually sent out to the elderly advisory panel. In February 2024, 250 enthusiastic elderly filled in this flashpoll and one of the V&A students will perform her internship on these data in April!
The second week in November was dedicated to Qualitative research. Again, you already performed your own research within one week! You had an interview with an older individual with again “Mental health and the relation with positive health and vitality” as theme. We learned from you that these interviews were very valuable and I even heard that someone will visit the elderly for her choir recital! I was impressed by your creative ideas for qualitative research. The poster session was really one to remember, to see all these unique posters made with lots of creativity and inspiration for further research ideas.
Now you will start with your internships, good to hear that you all have found such different places to visit and work on inspiring projects. Hopefully you all feel prepared to perform your research. During the internship presentations it became clear for me that you are!!
I wish you good luck with your internship and all the best for your future career!
dr. Stella Trompet | Line Coordinator Research and Evidence
Dear all,
Congratulations on successfully completing your Master! It’s been quite the year – you’ve all worked so hard and have done so well in this undeniably challenging master’s program. That being said, we hope you still enjoyed your time here – highlights of ours that we’ll always look back on fondly are the workgroups where you all showed us what you can do. Be that through writing, presenting, pitching or anything else. But we also always enjoy getting to chat with you all during class and hearing what you’re up to!
While we won’t be able to hear what you’re up to during class anymore, we’re certain you’ll go on to do great things, and we’ll be hearing about all these wonderful accomplishments for years to come. We wish you the best of luck with anything you wish to do in the future!
Warmest regards,
Emma & Diana
Dear alumni,
Thank you for a year of collaboration and learning. In my classes you gave feedback and compliments to each other, you learned about your own and other’s team roles, you negotiated and tried to get people to the other side of the room. Thank you for joining me in these sometimes unexpected and slightly uncomfortable exercises. This year we also tried a new
format: Team-based learning, in which you did a test; first individually, then in a group. The groups did really well, and I enjoyed how you collaborated as team members, so you have accomplished the learning goals of my part of the Master, well done! For now, I wish you all the best for your future, and you always make me feel confident that the future of the elderly is in good hands. Thank you.
dr. Fieke Harinck (teacher Academic Development)
Ethics and the circle of life
Death is part of life and may actually be an important factor of making life worthwhile. The fact that our days are final, emphasizes the need to make the most of it.
However we know that most of us lead our lives as if we are immortal. How dark and heavy our days would be if we had to continuously be conscious of our imminent demise! This rejection of the adage Memento Mori may however be typical of younger to middle aged people. Because when we speak with people whose future is much more limited due to their advanced age, we will discover that the approach of death, while being felt much more, does not diminish the zest for life. This does not seem to be the result of a fear of dying. The acceptance of death seems to enhance the appreciation of life, and even be vital to the art of living. This way the acknowledgment of our mortality rather than the denial of it, may improve our lives. At the same time it urges our responsibility for a good quality of
support to those who have reached those last chapters of life. When all is said and done, old age is relevant for all of us, since if we are lucky we will all grow old in the end.
The provision of care for elderly people is the moral duty of our societies. The circle of life does not just apply to our individual identities, but also to the way we interact within our society and look after each other in daily life. After all, the civilization of a society shows in the way it looks after her most vulnerable members, whether young or old. The fact that modern elderly people are in no way just dependent and incapable receivers of care, makes the circle of life only more interesting. It is the interaction between people of all ages, with their personal views and their own desire to make the most out of life, that enriches everybody’s life and our society as a whole. Ethically speaking this emphasizes the importance of listening attentively to the views and needs of people reaching old age. Prepare to have your view of life enhanced!
dr. Dorothea Touwen
“Remember, the intellectual sight begins to be keen when the visual is entering on its wane.”
PLATO
Dear Vitality and Ageing/Health, Ageing
and Society Alumnus,
The Circle of Life – or to phrase it a bit different – the Circle of a Student Life. You started all as newbies in the field of ageing and you have now – after one (or sometimes a bit more) year of hard labour –become the next generation of ageing professionals capable to addressing the unmet needs in our ageing society. And with your graduation a next group of ageing newbies started already to become the next generation after you.
Also in the field of biology, your first love in the master program, the “circle of life” plays an important role. When reading about the theme of this yearbook – the Circle of Life – we had to think about the famous song of Sir Elton John for the Disney movie the Lion King. When I (Raymond) was recently in some southern African countries, you see the circle of life happening before your eyes in both the animal kingdom but also in small settlements where new life, ageing and death are continuously happening. We can only partly interfere in this process and hopefully – someday – refer to the “circle of healthy life”. Demographically, extending the circle of life would have dramatic consequences. That should never be our goal as ageing professionals!
The year has now ended, and “your circle” as ageing student has finished. We as coordinators of the Biology of Vitality and Ageing course look back at another great edition with some impressive international speakers (e.g., professor Tom Kirkwood, professor Andrzej Bartke) and a wonderful trip to the Max Planck institute in Cologne. We hope you enjoyed it all as much as we did! ��
Now, our task as your teacher and mentor has finished so also our circle is now complete. You will now start with your future career with a lot of new knowledge and perspectives, and start a new circle.
We wish you the very best in your future career.
Thanks and all the best,
Dr. Raymond Noordam and dr. Diana van Heemst course coordinators Biology of Vitality and Ageing 2023/2024
Describe the BVA course in one sentence.
Juanita: “BVA is a course that teaches you how age can change your biology.”
Maria: “A course that is full of interesting facts that paves the way for the rest of the year.”
What is the most interesting thing you have learned during BVA?
Juanita: “The most interesting thing I have learned in this course is that it really matters at what time you exercise during the day.”
Maria: “The 12 hallmarks of Aging by Lopez-Otin. It is like a primer on the biology of ageing.”
Do you think your biological age is higher or lower than your chronological age? Describe why in 1-2 sentences.
Juanita: “I'm convinced my biological age is right on track with my chronological age because I still have the energy and zest of my teenage years.
Plus, my healthy habits keep me feeling as vibrant and unstoppable as ever, not even 30 and loving life!
Maria: “I think my biological age is less than my chronological age. I love to laugh and dance because of my Mexican heritage. It keeps me young at heart.”
by Elise de Bruin
One of the many things that makes the masterʼs Vitality and Ageing a special one, is the one and only Cologne trip. A trip we were looking forward to because we got to learn more about the work of the Max Planck Institute regarding the biology of ageing. Additionally, since the trip was at the beginning of the year it was a great way to get to know our teachers and fellow students better!
The 19th of October it was time to travel to Cologne by bus. It was a cozy and fun bus ride where we got to talk with each other and play some games. After a couple of hours we arrived at the Max Planck institute. The first part of the program entailed presentations held by people from the institute. For now we could just listen to the researchers talking about their research, but tomorrow we would have to present ourselves! As preparation for the next full day of learning about ageing, we relaxed that evening with a nice dinner and had some drinks. There was also time to explore the city of Cologne aside from the Max Planck institute, for example their very impressive cathedral! The next morning started off with our own presentations and a guided tour through the institute. Each group had prepared a presentation about a different species and talked about how this particular species can be used to research ageing in humans. It is an interesting topic. To make it feel even more alive, we could see for ourselves how these species are being researched in the Max Planck institute.
The guided tour gave insight into what kind of research the institute performs and what technologies they use. It was also a great opportunity to get to know more about the life of a researcher. All in all, an educational and delightful trip!!
“Getting old is not for the weak.”
HERMA-JOZE BLAAUWGEERS
Dear students,
Time flies when you are having fun! I really enjoyed working with you this year. During the year I have seen your enthusiasm to learn and work together. Next to all regular scientific parts of the study, such as exams and papers, you were also encouraged to develop your creative and innovative skills, because wicked problems need innovative and interdisciplinary thinking. In the Academic Thinking week you showed your creativity in roleplays, debates and presentations. Moreover, you made very nice video’s in The Older Individual course. Sometimes together with grandparents, you presented your innovative solutions. You have thought about ways to improve the wellbeing of older people in nursing homes. In your innovations you envisioned an important role for young people, to connect the lives of young and old in transgenerational projects. With these innovations, you developed a new interpretation of the ‘circle of life’: connecting inner circles of life of young and old!
Thank you for your active and enthusiastic participation, I wish you all the best!
Describe the OI course in one sentence
Czarina: “It is engaging as we consider the older person in a more holistic way.”
What was one of the highlights of the OI course?
What is something you have learned that you would apply in the future?
Czarina: “The importance of conserving the perspectives of older individuals when addressing wicked problems, as these issues cannot be fully understood from just one viewpoint.”
Czarina: “Preparing for the symposium was definitely a highlight since my group made a short video to encapsulate our case.”
What is most important for you to stay vital in the future?
Czarina: “Playing video games with friends!”
dr.mr. Yvonne Drewes
A coordinator-journey of the module the Organisation of an Ageing Society (OAS)
To be coordinator of the module the organisation of an ageing society is a real challenge. On one hand, the content of this module is really challenging. Healthcare systems are very complex, and differ per country. We have to think in ‘systems’ with rules consisting of acts and financial pathways. This is not easy to understand for students, for teachers and for your coordinator. On the other hand, the content of this module was new for most of you. You thought that understanding the effects of hallmarks of ageing on a cell or tissue was maybe more your ‘piece of cake’ than healthcare systems and alternative payment models.
As a coordinator I really liked to see your first amazement when you experienced that healthcare systems could be understandable. And that healthcare systems and financial systems could be interesting.
The ‘seniors for seniors’ project was a new assignment in which you worked together with an older team member to create a new policy. I was very proud of your presentations for colleagues of the ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. Maybe, your biggest struggle was to choose a topic for your policy-paper. Important questions raised. What do you want to change in the Dutch healthcare system? What is needed to get this change? Could you find international examples? What are differences between an innovation and a policy?
Thank you for all your efforts and enthusiasm during your OAS module. I hope we will share our memories about the International Healthcare symposium, with a very nice buffet of snacks from all the included countries!
Describe one highlight during the OAS course.
Beejan: “Being taught about the topical and intriguing subject of informal caregivers and their contribution towards older individual care by former minister and now chair of the Raad van Volksgezondheid & Samenleving, Jet Bussemaker.”
Liselotte: “One highlight was the pitch day at the Ministry of Health. After having spent many hours thinking about policies, being able to talk to actual policymakers was very interesting.”
What is an interesting thing you have learned?
Beejan: “How informal caregivers and the network of an older individual requiring care can be positioned to support their elderly loved ones at home even better, because living at home is what most older individuals still want as long as possible.”
Liselotte: “Even though I'm not usually interested in economics or finance I found the payment models course particularly insightful. The concept of incentivization has stuck with me and is highly debated in discussions with friends and family.”
Which country could the Netherlands learn from regarding the organization around ageing?
Beejan: “Japan, the country has a strong community-based population strategy approach, providing integrated care in the community and to preserve and support the independence of their loved ones.”
Liselotte: “One country that we could learn from is Denmark, since they addressed issues like data sharing and a lack of healthcare workers interestingly. By financially rewarding informal caregivers they created a very social care system. Since the country is similar in governance and culture, Denmark can serve as a good example for policies in the Netherlands.”
Prof.dr. Jacobijn Gussekloo
The circle of life during a year V&A
Dear students,
At the beginning of September 2023 you started the master’s V&A program. A few weeks later you learned that it became the Health, Ageing and Society (HAS) program. You showed your vitality and embraced this new name, but also asked critical questions of the master team. Why don't we get a HAS degree? How do I explain this to my future colleagues? Etc. This is how I remember you during the year, a close-knit vital group, having fun, helping each other as needed and keeping the master team on track.
For me it was a unique experience to see how you didn't know what to do at the beginning and how quickly you took steps and found a suitable place to do your internship. Six of you knew very quickly that you wanted to gain research experience abroad. You organized internships in Japan, Australia, Switzerland (2x) and Sweden. I think that is a unique achievement. One student showed her vitality because she was forced to switch from a last-minute canceled internship in the USA to an internship at LUMC.
Other students did their internships at various departments at the LUMC. In addition, some internships took place at various organizations outside the LUMC. For example the Alzheimer centre Rotterdam, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, UMC Amsterdam, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, HWW Zorg The Hague, Incluzio Leiderdorp, Nursing home Pieter
van Foreest in Delft, and Nursing home MOB Wonen de Boomgaard in Rotterdam. You too showed to independently find and organize an internship! Hats off to you all!
Your circle of life during the master, from start in September 2023 to BVA, OI, OAS, the internship and graduation in September 2024 was intense. You developed from V&A student to V&A/HAS professional. Ready to take your next step in your career. I was honored to make a small contribution to this. I wish you all the best for the future!
From the day we arrive on the planet
And, blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
'Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
A STORY OF MY RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN BERN, SWITZERLAND
Examining the relation of a good patientGP relationship when it comes to the process of deprescribing medicine in older people
by Demi Verhagen
dr. Carla
and Career
For my Master thesis, I had the opportunity to work on the LESS study in Bern, Switzerland. This is a project aimed at improving and investigating the deprescribing process through the use of questionnaires. Many older individuals deal with multimorbidity, which often results in polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of five or more medications. Unfortunately, these medications can interact with each other, leading to unpleasant health outcomes. Sometimes there is an opportunity to deprescribe some of these medicines. Unfortunately, it can become challenging to keep track of the purpose and effects of each medication. This highlights the need for careful guidance from general practitioners to manage this process of deprescribing medicine effectively. Therefore, I conducted research into the influence of a long-term relationship on trust in the GP regarding changes in medication. I hope that my research can contribute to further research into the value of continuity in care and the value of a good relationship with a general practitioner.
I was very happy that I could do my internship abroad. I was warmly welcomed in Bern, where I received excellent support. The dataset was ready when I arrived and this allowed me to start immediately. I learned a lot from my research group, who also used the LESS data for various
studies. Weekly meetings and explanations of statistics were of great value to my learning experience. Also, Bern is an incredible city. Its classical architecture provides stunning views, and the blue Aare River flowing through the city adds to its charm. It's a well-organized, safe, and clean city where you instantly feel at home. I spent my weekends exploring all of Switzerland, thanks to the country's good public transportation system. With trains departing every half hour in every direction, I was able to enjoy amazing hikes in the mountains and meadows. I was fortunate to stay in a beautiful house with someone in my research group and my housemates contributed to an incredible experience. I've made a few lasting friendships through this journey. Reflecting on my time in Bern, I am grateful for the professional and personal growth I experienced, and I look forward to applying what I have learned in my future career.
Circle of life (from The Lion King) by Carmen Twillie and Lebo M.
Bakker | Course coordinator Science
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Hej!
by Laura Klaassen
I did my internship at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. My research focused on sarcopenia (= agerelated progressive loss of muscle mass and function) and sarcopenic obesity (= combination of obesity and low muscle mass/function) in older individuals living in nursing homes. Having worked as a clinical dietician for the past 3 years, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of healthcare, and have witnessed the struggles of vulnerable older patients with sarcopenia and obesity. Providing optimal care for elderly patients with these conditions presents unique challenges. Therefore, I was excited and motivated to complete my internship and gain more insight into those conditions.
Living abroad (especially in Denmark) is something I can definitely recommend! I love the Danish bike culture, cozy cafés, and friendly people. One cultural aspect that stuck with me is Hygge, a Danish term that describes a sense of comfort, coziness, and well-being. Embracing Hygge taught me the importance of a balanced lifestyle, which is key to healthy ageing.
In my first week, I felt very welcome due to the research group. It was interesting to attend the various research meetings and enjoy serious discussions, as well as small talk with professors and fellow researchers during lunch breaks. The Danish approach to work-life balance, which emphasizes quality of life, was clear in these interactions and showed the ideas of Hygge even more.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to expand my horizon and gather invaluable experiences that contribute to my future career in the field of nutrition and ageing. This experience not only broadened my professional knowledge but also enriched my personal life. Now, considering a return to Copenhagen for work is something I am thinking of!
LUMC, DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
by Jake Johnson
“I was able to do my internship in the geriatrics department of the internal medicine branch of the Leiden University Medical Center, where I studied the temporal dynamics of blood pressure and its association with cognitive and physical function in the oldest old using a novel statistical technique called dynamic time warping.
I loved my experience working alongside researchers and doctors as we worked to push the boundaries of new knowledge. This internship has challenged me to push my own understanding of various aspects of research in geriatric medicine, and statistical analysis in general. I feel thankful for this experience and will always remember the time I was able to spend with my supervisors.”
NAGASAKI UNIVERSITY, JAPAN
by Yuan Boonacker
Under the guidance of professor Nagata, my research focused on how specific lifestyle habits and biomarkers influence medical care costs among the elderly population on the remote Goto Islands.
During my 14-week stay in Japan I attended health checkups and interacted with older individuals in Nagasaki City: Observing the vitality and independence of many older individuals, who are living without modifications in their homes, was particularly encouraging. During the Gotoislands trip to Fukue island I attended a community health check-up in Tomie Town. This health check-up is part of Nagasaki University’s project to screen for arteriosclerosis, which aims to track and prevent diseases influenced by local lifestyle habits.
I also met several professors and researchers from different departments and attended lectures from the Tropical Medicine and Global Health department and the department for atomic bomb diseases, which was very interesting.
During weekends, I spent time with international master’s and PhD students from all over the world, which broadened my knowledge about other cultures. Additionally, I had the opportunity to train 4-6 hours per week with the Nagasaki University volleyball team. These experiences enabled me to connect with both local and international students. As I conclude my internship, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had. This experience has enhanced my understanding of healthcare delivery on the remote Goto islands and motivated me to continue pursuing research that bridges the gap between medical science and community health. I look forward to apply the knowledge and skills gained during this internship to my future endeavors.
HWW ZORG, DEN HAAG
Enhancing autonomy and sense of mastery in dementia by the use of conversation cards
by Juanita Barhorst
For my internship, I had the opportunity to be a research intern at the psychogeriatric department at HWW zorg in the Hague. During my internship, I interviewed informal caregivers of people with dementia about their views on the sense of mastery, autonomy, and the use of conversation cards. One of my supervisors made the conversation cards because she experienced that the needs and wishes of people with dementia are not always known. My research is focused on the effect of the conversation cards from the perspective of informal caregivers.
I am really happy that I found an internship where I could explore qualitative research methods. During the research, I interviewed informal caregivers who could give me an insight into what it is like to be an informal caregiver of a person with dementia.
The department I worked in felt really welcomed and part of the team. At the end of the internship, me and my supervisors had lunch together.
To conclude, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to have insightful talks with the residents of the nursing home and their informal caregivers.
Interview with Herma-Joze Blaauwgeers
Why did you decide to become a member of the elderly board of V&A? How did you become involved with V&A?
I truly believe that seniors have the skills and knowledge which could be extremely useful and of value to adolescents and students. Seniors also want to share this knowledge because it gives their lives purpose. I was also searching for that feeling. I wanted to do something that had purpose.
In what way do you stay vital and energetic? And what makes you different in that regard?
I’m very conscious of my energy levels. If I do something one day, I’ll do nothing the next day. I’m not 20 anymore. If I’m tired of walking, I take a seat. What is different about me? I think differently. I always think differently. Why?
I don’t know. I just notice, when everyone goes right, I go left. By being different you get insights that you wouldn’t normally get. And that gives me energy.
What advice would you like to give to the students that you would have liked to follow up on more during your life?
Something I missed during my life was a fulfilling social environment. I have always acted upon my own wishes and desires, because it felt like the right thing to do at that moment. And I never experienced any downsides. Now that I’m in my last phase of life, I wish that I would have had a more stable social environment. You, as students, are currently creating your own social environment. Cherish and nurture your social environment! Society is increasingly getting calloused and electronic which makes you forget the human part of life. If you need something, you can always reach for your phone, but a machine cannot replace a human being. You need another human when you want a hug. For me, the human part is the most important part in life. Make sure that you keep recognizing, acknowledging and appreciating each other. That would be my wish for you.
Interview with Ton van Beekum
Why did you decide to become a member of the elderly board of V&A? How did you become involved with V&A?
What especially interests me is working with adolescents in order to hear their ideas regarding how they see society in the future, where we, as society, are shifting to and where we want to be shifting towards. Do we have the right financing for what we want to achieve or why is it economized and in what way should we produce different finance policies? Sometimes it is needed to really grill students on these subjects. If I can help people with these issues, I’ll do that with pleasure.
In what way do you stay vital and energetic? And what makes you different in that regard?
I have exercised for many years. I played football until my 64th birthday. Most people can’t do that; for most, torn ligaments together with other physical troubles make it impossible to play any longer. Same for me now, but instead of doing
nothing, I started playing other less demanding sports, such as tennis. After I suffered a tennis elbow 15 years ago, I went on to play golf which I still enjoy very much. It is important to stay active. At least 30 minutes of walking. And not just once a week, but everyday. I also go to the gym twice a week. I own a car, but I think that me and my wife use our bikes more often! So, be active, I cannot stress it enough. It is a must.
Of course, staying mentally fit is also crucial. I am still a parttime chauffeur for people who go to daycare. I also do some work for the repair café together with 10 other persons. We try to fix everything that is broken. Another activity I do is volunteering in the forms brigade team. We help older individuals fill in tax forms, benefit applications for care or income assistance. I also still play bridge, I’ve been chairman of the bridge association. It really keeps you mentally active.
What advice would you give to the students that you would have liked to follow up on more during your own life? When you have a job, and you like it, and not just for the short term, and you also feel like you can grow as a person during the job, keep doing it! If you like something, make sure to maintain it. As soon as you do not like it anymore, you are already too late to make the next move. You should have done it earlier. I have experienced that once. Your health is the most important thing. Once you get health-related issues, it means that you should have quit earlier. And above all, quit that job! Make sure that you enjoy yourself. That is the foundation for all other interests you will be pursuing. Then, you will be the most resilient.
• SYRIA
• LUXEMBOURG
• SOUTH AFRICA
• IRELAND
• SWEDEN
• USA
• PHILIPPINES
• CHINA
• POLAND
• SINGAPORE
• AUSTRIA
• Noordwijkerhout
• Leiden
• Arnhem
• Amsterdam
• Delft
• Haarlem
• Dordrecht
• Alphen aan de Rijn
• Den haag
• Rotterdam
• Groningen
• Voorburg
• Amstelveen
Finley Geerlings, 25
Living place and Original country: Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands
Internship place: University of Sydney, Australia
Background study: Human Movement Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s? The show: “Old people’s home for 5 year old”.
What is your best memory of this master's program? Having lunch together every day we had class.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Be open minded towards elderly, they will surprise you.
Juanita Barhorst, 23
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: The Hague HWW zorg
Background study: Biomedical sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
A more social side of science.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The first week where we all met each other.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Go with the flow.
Anna Suurmeijer, 21
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: LUMC Leiden, The Netherlands
Background study: Medicine
What made you choose this Master’s?
I wanted to do a gap year and thought this Masters would be more interesting than working for a year.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The debates at the end of each course.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Interact as much as you can with fellow students and do fun things outside of uni because time goes so fast and before you know it you will not see each other again.
Silke van Reeuwijk, 26
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: Stockholm University, Sweden
Background study: Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
During my studies, I've always focused mostly on biology. That is why I liked to do something broader, where I could for example also learn more about the organizational aspects of health. Furthermore, during my other master's program, I took a course on the biology of ageing, which I found really interesting. All of this came together in this master.
Beejan Hosainy, 25
Living place and Original country: Arnhem, The Netherlands Internship place: Pieter van Foreest, Delft, The Netherlands
Background study: Health Sciences VU
What made you choose this Master’s?
Jil Bartholmy, 23
Living place and Original country: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Background study: European Public Health
What made you choose this Master’s?
What is your best memory of this master's program?
I would say just overall the nice atmosphere. I particularly appreciated how everyone, both the staff and students, were always approachable and open. I believe that this is a really great aspect of this master's!
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
If you're considering doing an internship abroad, I would say go for it! The master's program has a lot of connections, and the staff really wants to help you with finding a nice place, so I think this is a perfect opportunity.
To learn more about how to make older individuals stay at home longer and how policy can be used to facilitate this.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Passing the BVA exam with nearly no sleep and limited preparation while being ill.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Be spontaneous and get to know your fellow students. Also, don't get ill before the BVA exam.
I chose this Master program due to its rich interdisciplinary nature, encompassing a wide array of topics. What particularly captivated me was its overarching emphasis on health and healthcare. Moreover, the small group dynamics and interactive learning style, coupled with the diverse backgrounds of other students made this program appealing.
What is your best memory of this master's program? What particularly captivated me was its overarching emphasis on health and healthcare. Moreover, the small group dynamics and interactive learning style, coupled with the diverse backgrounds of other students made this program appealing.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
I would recommend this program for anyone interested in studying healthcare for our ageing society. It truly delivers on its promises by taking an innovative, interdisciplinary approach that integrates biological perspectives with insights into business management. These perspectives provide valuable insights into the development of new services or tools, alongside working on practical assignments involving seniors. Additionally, the flexibility of the program allows for integration with work or family responsibilities, and courses such as academic development offer room for personal development.
Laura Klaassen, 24
Living place and Original country: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Internship place: Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Background study: Nutrition & Dietetics BSc, Health Sciences pre-master
What made you choose this Master’s?
During my experience as a clinical dietitian, I discovered an affinity for working with older individuals.
This master's program appeared to be the perfect fit for me, particularly due to its unique blend of perspectives on healthy ageing, encompassing public health and health management. I appreciate the flexibility of being able to pursue this Master's degree part-time.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Visiting the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany, remains one of the highlights of this master's program. Learning more about the Institute was interesting, and it was a nice bonus to explore the city with my fellow students and teachers.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
If you have the opportunity and are willing, step out of your comfort zone and intern abroad! Expand your horizons and gather invaluable experiences that will boost your future career prospects.
Jake Johnson, 28
Living place and Original country: Amsterdam, United States of America
Internship place: Leiden University Medical Center
Background study: Economics
What made you choose this Master’s?
I wanted to build upon my work experience working in care for older individuals.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Too many to choose from!
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Always look at the rubrics for the assignments before pressing submit :)
Imke van Schoonhoven, 21
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: Leiden University Medical Center
Background study: Liberal Arts and Sciences, Pre-Medical Program + Minor in Psychology
What made you choose this Master’s?
Honestly, I got rejected for all Pre-Master Geneeskunde (PMG) programs I applied to but I did not want to take a gap year. I knew I was going to try again for PMG this year but I wanted to use the year to learn more. I previously worked in healthcare and thought that was very special and there is still so much to learn regarding the topic of ageing. Hence, I decided to apply for V&A.
What is your best memory of this master's program? Cologne, and interviewing older individuals.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Ask for help, if things are unclear, you can always email a professor.
Yuan Boonacker, 25
Living place and Original country: Delft, China
Internship place: Nagasaki University, Japan
Background study: Health and life sciences, major clinical sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
Since my youth, I have been fascinated by elderly care, a passion that led me to start working in this field in the summer of 2014. Currently, I am still working at Herbergier Delft, a small-scale residential care facility for older individuals with memory loss. The ageing process and its accompanying cognitive decline present a fascinating area of study—rich in current knowledge, but there are also research gaps still to be unraveled. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the final chapters in the lives of older individuals. This master's program closely aligns with my interests, and I was looking forward to further developing my knowledge on all aspects related to older individuals, as well as studying certain areas covered within the program for an extended period.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Creating the “Older Individual” video in the karaoke room with Ton from the elderly board was a highlight. Additionally, the good atmosphere among the students throughout the year contributed significantly to my positive experience.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
I would advise future students of this master's program to shape their own unique path within the program. You are often encouraged to bring forward your own ideas, which allows you to make it as personal as possible. Enjoy your time during the master's year because it goes by quickly, and I recommend considering an internship abroad for a broader perspective and invaluable experience.
Demi Verhagen, 23
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: University of Bern, Switzerland
Background study: Health Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
After my bachelor in Health Sciences, I wanted to focus more on the management and organization of healthcare. I found this master to be more than just that, it is a broader approach to a better healthcare system. Even though I probably won't focus on the elderly as my target group later on, I got the impression that this study would help me in other ways with my personal and professional development.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
My best memory of this study is when we all went to Cologne together. It was such a great icebreaker for the students. Suddenly, you get to know each other very well, and this made the rest of the year very enjoyable. Other moments that I remember well is the collaboration with the elderly people.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
My advice for future students is to not be afraid to speak your mind. Students come from different backgrounds here, so those different perspectives are really appreciated. This leads to new insights and ideas. Additionally, this master's program offers many opportunities to expand your network, so seize these opportunities and make yourself visible to professors and others.
Romée Nibbering, 28
Living place and Original country: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Background study: Health Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
I'm already working for an organization specialized in elderly care, and I want to further develop myself. Being able to combine this study with work is perfect for me.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
I simply enjoy the Fridays very much. Our part-time group is small, but because of that, the classes are very personal.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Ask questions to other students and work together as a team, it can be a little chaotic sometimes.
Shané Raven, 23
Living place and Original country: Dordrecht, South Africa
Internship place: Erasmus Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Background study: Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
After my bachelor, I wanted to broaden my knowledge on the more patient-oriented side of research and healthcare. I really liked that this master included the biological and social aspects, as well as the opportunity to do a research project based on my own interests.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Definitely the trip to Cologne! Especially the evening when we all went out for dinner together and drinks afterwards. We really got to know each other better on this trip!
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Be prepared for a lot of group projects and deadlines! And don’t be scared to go to teachers for help, everyone in this master is very kind.
Mohammad Almokdad, 26
Living place and Original country: Amsterdam, Syria
Internship place: LUMC
Background study: Dental Surgery
What made you choose this Master’s?
In my journey as a dentist, I've always been driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. While dentistry allows me to directly impact oral health, I've chosen to pursue a master's in elderly care to broaden my scope of influence and address the holistic needs of our ageing population.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
This entire year cannot be summarized by just one memory; every moment was special. From the challenges to the triumphs, each experience added depth and meaning to my journey.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Embrace curiosity: Never stop learning!
Czarina Camille Lazaro, 26
Living place and Original country: Leiden, Philippines
Internship place: LUMC
Background study: Speech-Language Pathology
What made you choose this Master’s?
I used to work with many older adults as a speech therapist, and I wanted to expand my knowledge of this specific population. What really caught my attention was the variety of topics that this program provides, and I looked forward to learning from people with different backgrounds.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
I really enjoyed the sessions that provided a breath of fresh air from our usual lectures. For instance, the day we tried on ageing suits was filled with activities that allowed us to experience the challenges of ageing. The group presentations were also very memorable, as there were times that we had to be more creative and make things like posters and videos. Additionally, our professors were very considerate, which made this year very memorable.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
If you don't have a background in biomedical science like me, try to set aside some time to read up and prepare for lectures, or to digest the contents of the lectures. It might feel overwhelming at times, but it is quite manageable. Also, make sure to support one another. I find it very helpful that my colleagues are extremely supportive, which makes learning together more enjoyable.
Maria A. Macias, 60
Living place and Original country: Alphen aan den Rijn, US
Internship place: LUMC
Background study: Medicine
What made you choose this Master’s?
I wanted to be prepared for the near future and learn as much as possible about ageing. I also wanted to be able to familiarize myself with the field and make contributions that would benefit my generation and beyond.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Meeting the whole gang. They were all so welcoming and my initial worries about being too old were quickly gone.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Don't overthink it. This is an expanding field with so many possibilities.
Jante van Lange, 22
Living place and Original country: The Hague, The Netherlands
Background study: Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
I chose this Master's because it offered me the perfect combination of research and human contact, which I was missing in the lab work during my Bachelor.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The trip to Cologne was my favorite part of the Master's.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Enjoy your time, the year will be over before you know it!
Elise de Bruin, 22
Living place and Original country: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Background study: Medicine
What made you choose this Master’s? I wanted to broaden my knowledge from medicine and I think older people are very cute and fun.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The people that I have met and the inspiring talks with the older individuals.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Enjoy it! Because it is only a year.
Liselotte Mahieu, 22
Living place and Original country: Leiden, Austria
Internship place: LUMC
Background study: Liberal Arts and Sciences University College
What made you choose this Master’s?
I wanted to continue exploring healthcare from multiple angles and this master's offered a unique opportunity of doing that. During my bachelor's I also realized that I wasn't suited for lab work. Instead, I like to stay close to the 'personal' side of medicine even when I am doing research.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
One of my favorite memories was in a lecture hall - yes, I know that sounds quite boring - when we had the lecture on euthanasia by Dorothea Trouwen. It was one of the most insightful and interesting discussions during this degree and really sparked my interest to delve deeper into ethical aspects of care.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Don't worry about anything just enjoy it!
Nina van der Kooij, 25
Living place and Original country: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Internship place: Erasmus Medisch Centrum (EMC)
Background study: Medicine
What made you choose this Master’s?
After I had to quit my medicine master I had to choose a different master I could do with a background in medicine. Vitality and Ageing appealed to me because of its current relevance and the broad workfield.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
This might be unpopular, but I really enjoyed working on the BVA essay. It got me invested in a topic I did not yet know as much about as I would like and helped me realize I was interested in doing research.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
The master has a very broad program, and it's okay if not everything is in your area of interest. Take your time to figure out what interests you and what aspects of the program might be something you want to continue working on.
Merel Neuberg, 24
Living place and Original country: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Internship place: AMC, Amsterdam Background study: Biomedical Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
I was interested in this masters because it combines a lot of different aspects regarding ageing.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The trip to Cologne.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Don’t know.
Musa, 25
Living place and Original country: Leiden, China
Internship place: Rotterdam, Nursing home De Boomgaard
Background study: Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology
What made you choose this Master’s?
The possibility of investigating ageing as a societal topic through an anthropological lens.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Progressing in learning the biology of vitality and ageing without prior knowledge.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Dare to challenge the system.
Lisanne van ‘t Walderveen, 22
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands Internship place: Kantonsspital Baselland, Switzerland Background study: Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
I chose this Master's because I wanted to learn more about health sciences in a way that looks at the whole picture of taking care of people, especially older adults. This program stood out to me because it seemed to offer new ideas on how to make life better for senior citizens by finding better ways to care for them. My aim was to find out how to use what we know from science to help people and communities, with a special focus on helping those who are older.
What is your best memory of this master's program? The trip to Cologne, I really enjoyed staying together in a hotel and going out to eat with everyone.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
If you have the opportunity, consider doing your internship abroad for a valuable experience.
Thomas Drop, 26
Living place and Original country: Leiden,
The Netherlands
Internship place: Geriatrics Department, LUMC,
The Netherlands
Background study: Human Movement Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
I chose this Masters because I wanted to gain more knowledge about the biological aspect of ageing. I also wanted to contribute to the solutions needed for the ageing society.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
I really enjoyed the study trip to Keulen. Very relaxed and positive atmosphere.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Read the coursebook.
Ania Wojas, 24
Living place and Original country: Leiden, USA/Poland Internship place: LUMC, Leiden, The Netherlands Background study: Medicine
What made you choose this Master’s?
I initially came to Leiden to conduct neurosurgery research, however, after my studies were done, I felt strongly that my time at the LUMC was not over. My reasons for pursuing this Master’s program were initially motivated by the knowledge of an increasing ageing population suffering from multidisciplinary health-related issues and a lack of physicians capable of administering proper treatment. By consequence, as a future physician, I am invested in being well-equipped to provide the necessary aid and this program, for three reasons, has motivated me to pursue it. Firstly, the university has a strong reputation for research in the field of ageing, with the program being taught by faculty members with various areas of expertise. In combination with the interdisciplinary approach to learning, this framework grants students access to cutting-edge research and insight into the newest developments of the field. Secondly, the program offers many opportunities to gain hands-on practical experience in the field of ageing through internships and research, which is crucial to developing the necessary skills and knowledge necessary for a career working with ageing individuals. Finally, the global focus of the program is conducive to learning about ageing-related issues and interventions from around the world, which is of particular interest to me as someone who will be working with diverse populations of older adults in New York City.
While medical school has thus far provided me with a broad understanding of human well-being and disease, as well as healthcare systems, I believed that this Master’s program has helped me to build a more comprehensive understanding of unique challenges faced by older adults, which will aid me in practicing more holistic care as a future practitioner that promotes vitality and quality of life. With the ageing population growing rapidly, the need for professionals with expertise in this field has never been greater.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The friends I've made along the way and the unconditional support they have provided me with through not only the good times, but also the tough ones.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Take notes! Talk to people. Don't pass up on the plethora of opportunities provided to you, and if you need help, reach out.
Karin Stratingh, 25
Living place and Original country: Groningen, The Netherlands
Internship place: Haven't started yet because I'm studying part-time :) Background study: Medicine
What made you choose this Master’s?
I chose this master's program because I was looking for a program where I could learn more about healthcare organization, but which also includes elements of biology and medicine. And I found that combination in V&A!
During the open day, I quickly experienced that it's a very welcoming study environment with great contact with the staff, which I also liked.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
My best memory is the atmosphere in the master's program; it's such a pleasant and welcoming environment where you quickly feel at home. The staff is highly engaged, and the students are also very involved, always ready to help each other when needed. Additionally, the study trip to Cologne was also a highlight! It was fascinating to visit such a lab and see the various research projects being conducted.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
My advice would be to seize the opportunities that come your way through this master's program. For example, there are numerous field visits where you get the chance to better understand organizations and see what they do. Additionally, there are many interesting lectures from both international and national lecturers; ask questions and absorb the information. That way, I think you'll get the most out of this enjoyable program!
Aimée van den Brink, 23
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: Have not decided yet as I will be doing the Master Medicine first, but hopefully something interesting!
Background study: Medicine
Emma van Dam, 23
Living place and Original country: Amstelveen, The Netherlands Internship place: UNO Amsterdam, The Netherlands Background study: Nursing
What made you choose this Master’s?
Marijn Willemse, 23
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Background study: Biomedical Sciences
What made you choose this Master’s?
What made you choose this Master’s?
I chose this master’s because I was looking for a study where I could learn more about the healthcare system and that would give me knowledge and experience that I could use during my Master Medicine and my future as a healthcare professional. V&A felt like a great combination of relevant knowledge about different sides of the healthcare system and the elderly population, as well as a great place to make new friends and develop myself further.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
My best memory is definitely the Cologne trip. I think that was the place where I really got to know a lot of people from the Master’s, and develop a friendship with them. I really enjoyed the trip, both the way it taught me more about research as well as the social activities during the trip.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
My advice would be to be open to meet new people and enjoy the coming year!
I chose this masters program, because I wanted to learn more about the elderly population. With my experience as a nurse, I saw that this group needs special attention: now and in the future.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The masters program gave me the opportunity to volunteer at a jewish hospice. The hours I spent there are precious to me, because I learnt a lot from diverse people during the hardest time of their lives.
Fun memories of the masters program were the trips we have made as a group to different organisations. Always wondering what kinds of food we would get to enjoy.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Although you do not always have to attend the lectures to pass the exam, please go and pay attention, because the variety of lecturers you get here is very unique.
I wanted to do something differently. Plus this master’s program was offered parttime which made it good to combine with my gap year
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Meetings with our senior for seniors for seniors.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Just let everything come to you, it will become clear eventually :)
Joël van den Berg, 26
Living place and Original country: Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands Internship place: Amsterdam UMC
Eline Haarhuis, 25
Living place and Original country: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Background study: Health Sciences
Background study: Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
What made you choose this Master’s?
During my bachelor's I developed an interest in ageing. After that I wanted to broaden my knowledge about the older individual so when I came across this master's program, I knew it would be the right choice for me.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Cologne! That was absolutely the highlight of the master's program. It was fascinating to see the research on ageing at the Max Planck Institute. And it was so much fun to spend time with fellow students! We made memories for a lifetime there.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
To enter the program with an open mind and engage with the older individuals by talking with them. They have fascinating stories, and this is the best way to understand how they feel and what they need. Additionally, building strong connections with your fellow students is invaluable.
What made you choose this Master’s?
Great study atmosphere and lovely mix of the different subjects and study backgrounds
What is your best memory of this master's program?
Trip to Cologne!
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Be open to all new ideas ��
Rochnie Noëlle Booij, 23
Living place and Original country: Voorburg, The Netherlands Internship place: Leiden University Medical Center
Background study: BSc. Health and Life Sciences
Eloy Caneda Cabrera, 23
Living place and Original country: Leiden,
The Netherlands
Background study: Medicine
Internship place: LUMC
What made you choose this Master’s?
The ageing society comes along with many global challenges. I figured that I needed more in-depth knowledge from different perspectives in order to gain better understanding of these challenges and to be able to use the knowledge in my future career within the medical field. In addition, I really like the warm and personal touch of the master's program.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
The VriMiBo's (friday afternoon drinks) in Hepatho were always very fun! ��
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Enjoy learning lots of interesting things and don't forget to enjoy the student life as well ;)
Ariz Farhan, 24
Living place and Original country: Leiden, The Netherlands
Internship place: Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (VWS)
What made you choose this Master’s?
Growing interest in working with elderly during my bachelor’s internship.
What made you choose this Master’s?
I was fascinated by the fact that some people live well into their 90’s and some people live with chronic diseases in their 70’s. My interest in the ageing process and disease prevention in an ageing population motivated me to do this extra master.
What is your best memory of this master's program?
My internship at the LUMC. In addition to my thesis, I gave sports classes to elderly people which was a really fun to do. Most importantly, the atmosphere at the department was relaxed and pleasant, and my supervisors and the other students were friendly and nice to work with.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Begin on time with the big writing assignments so that you don’t get stressed about it :)
What is your best memory of this master's program? Trip to Cologne.
What advice would you give future students of this master’s program?
Enjoy while it lasts
“Growing old? It’s not difficult, everybody can do it.”
THOMAS' DAD
