Health, Ageing and Society (MSc)

How Innovations by Leiden Students Can Improve the Well-being of Grandparents (and Maybe All of Us)

2 april 2025

Imagine this: you’ve come up with a brand-new innovation to solve a challenge faced by older adults. It’s modern, using the latest technology. But in practice, it turns out not to work at all—because it doesn’t actually address the root causes of the problem. That's a waste, right?

That’s why students in the Health, Ageing and Society master’s program are taught not to start with the solution, but with the problem. Using the design thinking method, they first map out the problem and its contributing factors. Then they develop creative solutions and build prototypes. Throughout the process, they consult with the  Elderly Advisory Board for Care & Welfare in the South Holland North region, ensuring the innovation aligns with actual needs.

But what kind of innovations are we talking about?

The Express Board

Some diseases can make communication increasingly difficult—think of Parkinson’s or ALS. Master’s student Nawasiri Siriprasert was inspired by a tool used in her own family to help an elderly relative who struggled to communicate. They wrote down favorite meals on paper, and the person simply pointed to choose their meal for the day.

Siriprasert: “If we could develop that further and make it more flexible, like in a single device, it would be really helpful for families and caregivers. And not just for meals, but for other things too.”

Functionality and simplicity were key.

“We didn’t prefer a touchscreen. If someone has shaky hands, they might press the wrong button. Plus, not all older people are comfortable with digital devices. But flexibility is also important for families and caregivers—you can’t print hundreds of sheets of paper.”

“We spoke twice with the Elderly Advisory Board. At first, I was hesitant about a digital version, but they said it would be fine—as long as it’s easy to use. That’s how we came up with the idea of a digital version with physical buttons. You can customize them with different questions, like ‘What would you like to do today?’ or ‘How are you feeling?’ This way, it’s flexible for caregivers and easy for older users.”

Photo: Nawasiri Siriprasert with an early prototype of The Express Board.

Netherlands in Balance

Another innovation focuses on life balance. Older adults can feel out of balance due to various factors—loss of health, loved ones, loneliness, or even concerns about the state of the world. Karin Stratingh was inspired by the TV show Nederland in Beweging (Netherlands in Motion). She envisioned a version focused on mental health to boost resilience in older adults.

Stratingh: “What I love about Nederland in Beweging is that it’s on TV every day. You can join in from your living room. How great would it be to have a similar program focused on mental well-being?”

She researched methods and exercises that could help, such as breathing techniques, mindfulness, chair yoga, and elements of positive psychology.

“For example, viewers could be encouraged to write down three things that went well today.”

She also consulted the Elderly Advisory Board:

“They said it’s a very accessible way to work on mental health. Some people hesitate to visit a GP or psychologist. This program isn’t a treatment, but it could be a low-threshold first step. And they said, ‘If it’s on TV, I’d watch it.’ That was great to hear. And maybe it’s not just helpful for older people, but for anyone seeking more balance.”

Photo: Karin Stratingh and an example of Netherlands in Balance on tv.

Looking ahead

The students presented their innovations to the Elderly Advisory Board, teachers, and fellow students during a festive final presentation day. Both Siriprasert and Stratingh are eager to continue developing their ideas. What do they need? Professionals who can help with coding—or perhaps a Dutch broadcaster willing to bring the concept to television.

Who knows? Maybe these ideas, born in a classroom at LUMC, will soon become reality. One thing is certain: the students are taking valuable knowledge with them into the future.

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Published on LUMC intranet on 2 April 2025.