The 'Epo van Douma Lecture'
22 January
The ‘Epo van Douma Lecture’, delivered by philosopher Dr Suzanne Biewinga, explores the theme of ‘Meaningful Ageing’.
This year’s annual Epo van Douma Lecture will be delivered by philosopher Dr Suzanne Biewinga. The theme of her lecture is Meaningful Ageing.
After the interval, the topic will be explored from a municipal perspective by Nathalie Kramers, Alderwoman for Public Health in Leeuwarden.
Suzanne Biewinga earned her PhD at the beginning of 2025 — at the age of seventy ! — at the University of Amsterdam, with research into a new philosophy of ageing as lived experience. Shortly afterwards, her book Ouder worden als ervaring (Ageing as Experience), a philosophy of later life, was published. The book quickly became a philosophical bestseller, and her lectures now attract full houses.
In the ageing society of the 21st c…
This year’s annual Epo van Douma Lecture will be delivered by philosopher Dr Suzanne Biewinga. The theme of her lecture is Meaningful Ageing.
After the interval, the topic will be explored from a municipal perspective by Nathalie Kramers, Alderwoman for Public Health in Leeuwarden.
Suzanne Biewinga earned her PhD at the beginning of 2025 — at the age of seventy ! — at the University of Amsterdam, with research into a new philosophy of ageing as lived experience. Shortly afterwards, her book Ouder worden als ervaring (Ageing as Experience), a philosophy of later life, was published. The book quickly became a philosophical bestseller, and her lectures now attract full houses.
In the ageing society of the 21st century, the question of meaningful ageing is more relevant than ever. Traditional answers no longer fit the realities of our time. Common clichés offer little guidance either: ageing is not about ‘staying young’, nor does it mean nothing but loss and decline.
So what does it mean?
In her lecture, Suzanne Biewinga advocates a new way of talking about ageing, grounded in the lived experiences of older people themselves.
She draws on numerous philosophical group conversations with older participants, as well as on the work of both contemporary and ancient thinkers. By placing the experiences, insights, concerns and desires of older people at the centre, she arrives at clear insights into what meaningful ageing is — and what it is not.
During the interval, Suzanne Biewinga will be signing copies of her book Ouder worden als ervaring for those interested.
After the interval, alongside Alderwoman Nathalie Kramers, a spoken column will be presented by Hilly Hoitema, representing Grandparents for Climate.
Photo of Suzanne Biewinga: Frans Rentink.
Due to the expected high level of interest, visitors are advised to reserve a ticket in advance.
Parking space near the church is limited. Visitors can park free of charge, within short walking distance, at the large car park opposite Intratuin (south side of Tijnjedijk).
