Sonja Iltanen .

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More about Sonja

I am currently working at The Union for Senior Services VALLI in a project dedicated to promoting the equality and inclusion of older people who belong to minority groups in Finland. Our goal is to strengthen the knowledge and understanding of diversity among professionals, students, and volunteers working with older adults. We approach diversity from the viewpoints of linguistic and cultural minorities, as well as sexual and gender minorities.

I particularly enjoy working in multidisciplinary networks alongside experts from various fields. I find it inspiring to listen to different perspectives, mediate between them, and help bring shared goals into focus.

In our current project, we collaborate closely with organisations and specialists who work with minority communities, many of whom are members of ENIEC. This collaboration has proven extremely powerful, and through active networking we have achieved a great deal together.

Throughout my career, I have focused on topics related to ageing. I have worked on several research projects exploring the design of products and services through the lenses of cultural gerontology, inclusion and ethics. I have also developed age friendly services, such as a concept and materials for implementing remote exercise for older adults.

In my current role, we have created accessible ways to learn about the diversity of older people, including an online quiz and a series of compact online lectures.