"Traveling and changing perspectives – the best energy boost"

By lill [dot] eriksson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se (Lill Eriksson) - published 24 February 2025

Four persons outside a café — An on-site meeting, discussing PhD projects and the varying conditions under which they conduct them. Three PhD students from the institution, originating from South Korea, China and Mexico, and Isabelle von Saenger (second from left). Photo: Private

This winter SWEAH PhD student, Isabelle von Saenger, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, visited the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, USA.

Thanks to a travel grant from SWEAH she could share her research and learn from other researchers.

– I learned more about the impact of sleep on the health of the older adults, that there are specific guidelines in parts of the United States for how older adults should gain access to university studies, and about caregivers' risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation, says Isabelle von Saenger.

It was also interesting that so many more older adults work in the so-called low-wage occupations, in the checkout at a store, as a guide at a museum, or in a fast food restaurant.

– Participation can be seen as positive and counter ageism, but it is often a sign of a lack of financial resources in older ages.

Woman at desk with three computer screens — Isabelle's working space at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, USA. Photo: Private

Can lead to collaborations

As a visiting researcher abroad, you are often well received.

A woman and a man smiling — Professor Ross Andel graciously welcomed Isabelle to the institution and invited her to his family's home one evening. Photo: Private

Have you started new collaborations, thanks to the trip?

– Discussion has begun, mainly regarding researcher exchange with other doctoral students at the institution I visited. Maybe something SWEAH can get involved in? There is no lack of ideas, but maybe time.

What impressions do you take with you from the trip?

– How different the conditions are for doctoral students and their learning around the world. And that we in Sweden are privileged in many ways. It was fun to get feedback on the work I presented, and see how new knowledge and new insights were received and translated into their context and research area.

Computer screen with man in an online meeting — Isabelle also had the opportunity to meet with Aaron Guest, Assistant Professor of aging, at the Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging. Photo: Private

Any advice to others who are thinking of a travel grant?

– Write an email to someone you have heard of and ask if a visit is possible. Often it leads to something good and most people are happy about the request. Traveling and changing perspectives is often the best energy boost. This may also apply within Sweden.