CAPAGE - Promoting academic and professional excellence in health care to meet the challenges of aging in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka (SL) faces the unique challenge of being one of the fastest aging countries in South Asia due to an unprecedented economic crisis leading to a soaring poverty level. Expanding number of age-related health disorders requires a qualified health care (HC) workforce. To meet this demand a consortium of 4 EU and 6 SL HEIs were brought together by the joint intent to develop sustainable innovation capacity for modernizing higher and professional HC education in Healthy Aging and Geriatrics (HA&G) in SL. The main goal is to enhance professional competencies of HC providers working with the elderly through a coordinated interdisciplinary approach, in line with EU standards, national health priorities and in collaboration with academics, HC professionals, students, clients, researchers and (non)governmental organizations. Objectives include: 1. enriching HC (nursing and physiotherapy) curricula and professional education in different HC settings with innovative HA&G contents; 2. developing an educational and research network on aging including EU and SL HEIs, and SL HC providing institutions; 3. promoting research, internationalization, and digital skills in academic staff and students; 4. enhancing competencies of HC providers in health promotion for old adults; 5. raising awareness on HA among clients. Activities include: identifying core competencies, co-creating competence-based courses in HA&G, establishing geriatric assessment labs, organizing workshops and e-learning courses, establishing Active Aging Information Centers (AAIC). Expected results include: a competence Framework of knowledge and skills for nurses and physiotherapists; 6 academic courses (max. 20 credits) on HA training 80 academic staff members; 4 e-courses (max. 4 credits) for HC professionals, 6 working geriatric assessment labs, and 12 AAIC. Establishing sustainable capacity for training HC students and professionals is anticipated to promote health and better care for the elderly.