JU researcher nominated for “Most promising over 60” award

Hans Westlund, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) at Jönköping University (JU) and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) is nominated for his research on regional development and innovation.

“It is very nice to be nominated as ‘promising’ when it’s thought that people my age should be retired. It is also an accurate description of how I feel. I have a lot left to give," says Hans Westlund.

At a time when youth ideals dominate, the “Most promising over 60” External link, opens in new window. award recognizes the many resources and potential of people over 60. The award is a tribute to individuals who, even though they are getting on in years, continue to inspire and work in areas such as culture, literature, sport, inspiration, and entrepreneurship.

“The ‘Most promising over 60’ competition wants to show that initiative, passion, and creativity have no expiry date. We like to talk about young talent, but impactful people over 60 don't get the same attention. This competition's message can be seen as a celebration of those who continue to innovate and create well beyond their 60s," says Amelia Adamo, chair of the competition's jury.

The jury includes several well-known profiles in various fields. They include Peter Siepen, radio and TV personality and influencer, Ingmar Skoog, professor and senior researcher at Sahlgrenska University with expertise in psychology and care of the elderly, as well as Sofia Åhman, fitness personality and personal trainer, with great expertise in health and fitness.

“The media and society at large are dominated by youthful ideals, but everyone gets older and for many people it can be very difficult to experience ageing and becoming invisible. If a prize like this can help people realize that it's not just the outside that matters, then the prize is useful," says Hans Westlund

A way to combat ageism

The initiator of the prize is 60plusbanken, which works for the financial inclusion of older people through customized loan solutions. By supporting the competition, the bank wants to break down financial and social barriers, and promote an image of older people as active, driven, and full of ambition.

"Ultimately, we want to change attitudes, we want to see a more positive and realistic view of older people. We want to be seen as the force in society that we actually are. The competition is a fun way to fight the ageism that is spreading in Sweden," says Amelia Adamo.