Vitality and Ageing
| Degree: | Master of Science in Vitality and Ageing |
|---|---|
| Mode of Study: | Full time |
| Duration: | 1 year |
| Start date: | September |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 75069 |
Care for the elderly is different from care for children and adults, as it involves the treatment of multiple concurrent conditions. Current academic and clinical practice is insufficiently equipped to translate this essential paradigm shift into action. In order to address this need, Leiden University developed the Vitality and Ageing master’s degree for medical doctors.
Once the problem of childhood mortality had been solved, old age arrived. Over half of all elderly people who have ever lived are alive today. Thanks to advances in medical care that address the cumulative damage sustained by the ageing body, death has been banished to old age. However, the ageing process itself can be prevented if enough is invested in maintenance and repairs. In this way, the length
and quality of our lives can be continually improved.
We look forward to a future with more years lived in good health. But despite our best efforts, life will still end with a period of poor health and disabilities. Care for the elderly is different from care for children and adults, as it involves the treatment of multiple concurrent conditions. The result is both over-treatment and under-treatment. The elderly require a different – more holistic – treatment strategy.
For pioneers of tomorrow’s medical care
Applications will be accepted from young, recently graduated medical doctors who realise that the question of ageing – after eradicating child mortality and greatly reducing death during middle age – is the greatest challenge for the current generation of doctors. Students come from various countries, as the problems are common to all successful societies. Students are looking to deepen their knowledge of ageing, improve their basic medical skills and develop themselves personally. Upon successful completion of the master’s degree, this will enable them to shape the future of medical care.
