This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the connections between health, aging, and sustainability, integrating insights from social science, economics, and public policy. We begin by asking: What is health, and how can it be measured? We then explore how demographic trends such as population aging shape social structures, economic systems, and public health outcomes.  Key themes include: Inequalities in health and aging Long-term care systems – challenges and opportunities The links between environment and health Sustainable lifestyles and health behavior Aging cities and inclusive urban development  Throughout the course, we develop the concept of sustainable aging by connecting health, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

After completing this course, students should be able to: Understand how health is measured at both the individual and population levels. Explain and analyze the main determinants of health inequalities within and across populations. Assess how different environments (built, natural, and social) shape health outcomes and well-being. Define and discuss the concept of sustainable aging, recognizing future challenges as well as emerging opportunities. Evaluate policies and interventions in terms of their impact on health, well-being, and sustainability. Critically engage with interdisciplinary literature and empirical evidence related to health, aging, and sustainability. Collaborate effectively in group work to prepare and communicate findings on complex socio-demographic and sustainability issues.

This course is classified as 'Examination-immanent' (in German, 'Prüfungsimmanent,' often abbreviated as 'PI'). As a general rule, PI courses have compulsory attendance. However, one class can be missed without negatively affecting the grade. If known in advance, absences must be announced by email to the lecturer ahead of time (e.g., in cases of conflicting class schedules). Missing class for medical reasons (e.g., accident or illness) will not count against the participation requirements as long as a doctor's note can be provided. No makeup assignments will be provided in case of missed assessments. More details on absenteeism rules will be explained in the first class.

This course combines lectures, readings, and student group presentations to introduce and apply key concepts of health, aging, and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on active learning, with class discussions, short case studies, and interactive elements designed to connect theory with real-world challenges. Students are encouraged to engage critically with the material and to collaborate in small groups to explore specific topics in depth.

participation in discussions (30%)  presentations and group work (35%)  Final exam (35%)

Course enrollment is based on the 'first-come, first-served' principle. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your place is available to students on the waiting list. If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students on the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period and will be allocated to available places. Students will be ranked by progress in their studies, not by their rank on the waiting list. This procedure, however, is not to be understood as a guarantee of class space.

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