title: The current state and developments in higher education in gerontology in the nordic countries.
abstract: The growing size of the older population challenges not only researchers but also higher education in gerontology. On the basis of an online survey the authors describe the situation of Nordic higher education in gerontology in 2008 and 2009 and also give some good examples of Nordic- and European-level collaboration. The survey results showed that gerontological education was given in every Nordic country, in 31 universities and 60 other higher education institutions. Although separate aging-related courses and modules were relatively numerous, programs for majors were relatively few. Networking in the Nordic region offers a good example on how to further develop higher education in gerontology. Emphasis should be put on strengthening networking on the European and trans-Atlantic levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. heidi.k.a.hietanen@jyu.fi
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hietanen
authors.forename: Tiina-Mari
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Lyyra
authors.forename: Terttu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Parkatti
authors.forename: Eino
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Heikkinen
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005387:Finland; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011157:Population Dynamics; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires