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Social Robots for Interbrain Synchronized Intergenerational Connectedness to Reduce Ageism

This project represents a collaborative effort of researchers from three different disciplines (Prof. Gordon -engineering, Prof Shamay-Tsoori-brain science, and Prof. Ayalon-social work) to advance their own respective fields of knowledge, while addressing wider social issues of high pertinence to society at large. The present study will develop an innovative social robot to tackle ageism, defined as a bias in the way we think, feel and act towards people because of their age. This will be done through an increase in intergenerational connectedness. To foster intergenerational connectedness, we will rely on inter brain-connectivity as a signal that feeds into the social robot, which will refine its activities based on this feedback. The project will result in a novel experimental setup, in which brain-to-brain synchronization measurements serve as inputs to the social robot’s behavior, thus enabling a socio-neurofeedback and promoting advances in robotics for social change. In total, 40 pairs of older people (65>) and teenagers (16-18) will participate in this task. Our multi-disciplinary, collaborative product is expected to result in social, theoretical, and methodological innovations and impacts that are greater than the sum of its parts.

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MascAge-Analyzing social constructions of ageing masculinities

If age studies focus on youth and gerontology studies of either older women or “ungendered” portraits of ageing (Saxton and Cole 2012), this project explores the gendered specificities of men’s ageing. Applying to the cultural analysis an interdisciplinary corpus of masculinity and age studies, the project seeks to make an impact by crossing the traditional Social Sciences-Humanities boundary and by proving that not only do social notions of masculinity shape their cultural representations, but they simultaneously affect the social (de-)construction of both gender and age. The main objectives are:  

(a) to understand more fully the interrelationship of masculinities with a variety of social issues specifically associated with men’s ageing: older men’s health; social inclusion and exclusion; sexualities and affective relationships; and ageist stereotypes; 
(b) to explore men’s experiences of, and attitudes to, ageing across different European cultures, exploring their commonalities and differences, at both national and transnational levels; 
(c) to gain a deeper understanding of ageing masculinities in and through cultural representations; and 
(d) to share the results of this project with other researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to help them devise strategies and policies designed to promote greater gender and age equity. 

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Ageism and intergenerational tension in the age of climate change

This proposal addresses prominent global challenges currently faced by humanity: the climate change and ageism/intergenerational tension. The most important inheritance we can leave to future generations is an intact world, in which they can continue to live and flourish. Yet, there appears to be high levels of ageism and a growing tension between the generations in the ideological discourse surrounding climate change. At times of scarce resources brought by the climate change and the gradual depletion of the earth’s resources, intergroup threat is likely to increase and old people may be expected to succumb and not to burden the younger generations. This proposal examines the manifestation, origins and consequences of ageism and intergenerational tension in the context of climate change ideological discourse. To achieve these goals, we will conduct four different studies that together provide a comprehensive outlook on this phenomenon. We will rely on a mixed-methods design including both qualitative and quantitative/experimental research methods, moving between deductive, inductive and abductive approaches to data collection and analysis. Data collection and analysis will vacillate between the global international arena and the local arena. Study 1, aims to outline the manifestation of ageism and intergenerational tension in ideological discourse in the field of climate change. This will be done through content analysis of English-written texts available on official websites of climate change opinion leaders over the past two decades (starting in 1999). Study 2, aims to identify the roots of ageism and intergenerational tension by interviewing climate change opinion leaders who were identified in study 1 as instigating ageism and intergenerational tension in their ideological discourse. This will be done through individual in-depth interviews. Study 3, aims to explore ageism and intergenerational tension in the context of climate change in the discourse produced by laypeople. This will be done through qualitative focus group interviews with laypeople. Study 4, aims to examine the impact of ageism and intergenerational tension in the ideological discourse around climate change on laypeople’s reaction to climate change, ageism and intergenerational tension. This will be done experimentally, through a series of case vignettes which vary in terms of the ideological discourse produced and the age of the person who delivers the message. Relying the succession and consumption model and the intergroup threat theory, this innovative comprehensive approach is expected to result in the refinement and elaboration of theoretical understandings concerning ageism and intergenerational tension in a world that is experiencing a depletion of its resources. As this is only one of multiple intergenerational tensions that occur in contemporary political discourse, results have substantial implications worldwide in a variety of domains. Practically, this study provides a bridge between science and policy as findings may guide future campaigns around climate change and will contribute to a life in a world for all ages, in which old age is not seen as a burden or a liability. 

 

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Moral conflicts in familial dementia care involving migrant live-in carers in Germany and Israel: A comparative empirical-ethical exploration and analysis (MoDeCare)

Population ageing leads to a higher prevalence of dementia and thus an increasing need for care for those affected. At the same time, there is a lack of informal and professional carers who could meet the sophisticated and time-consuming requirements of dementia care. In many countries, migrant live-in carers have become a common solution to fill this care void. However, these live-in care arrangements are prone to considerable social, legal, and moral difficulties. While the focus of previous research was mainly on social and legal aspects, an in-depth examination of the moral dimension is still missing. This project focuses on the comparative empirical exploration of moral conflicts in live-in care arrangements in Germany and Israel and their ethical reflection. We employ methods of qualitative research and ethical analysis to study moral conflicts on the micro level of the triad composed of live-in carers, people with dementia, and relatives in both countries, also taking into account the role of structural factors at the meso and macro level. The aim is to develop a more profound understanding of moral conflicts in live-in dementia care in Germany and Israel in order to formulate empirically informed ethical recommendations for care providers and policy makers.

Applicants

Dr. Merle Weßel, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg (PI)

Dr. Milena von Kutzleben, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Co-PI)

Prof. Dr. Mark Schweda, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Co-PI)

Prof. Liat Ayalon, Bar Ilan University (PI)

Dr. Michal Herz, geriatric consultant, freelancing researcher (Co-PI)

 

Keywords: Dementia, family care, migrant carer, ethics