Tandem tour highlighting issues of ageing – meet Pernilla Alencar Siljehag
The tandem tour is a popular science initiative where researchers cycle through southern Sweden, giving lectures on ageing and health at libraries and community centres. The aim is to reach a broader audience, foster dialogue, and spark interest in the role of research in society. The tour, organised in collaboration with the graduate school SWEAH, runs from 4–27 May 2025 and is made possible thanks to support from the Sten K Johnson Foundation.
Pernilla Alencar Siljehag is a doctoral student at the Aging Research Center (ARC) and the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center foundation (Äldrecentrum) and is affiliated with the graduate school SWEAH. She is cycling a 90-kilometre leg of the Tandem Tour – a research project on two wheels. Through pedal-powered conversations and a lecture in Tomelilla, she hopes to spread knowledge about what it is like to apply for eldercare for the first time – a life event that affects many but is rarely discussed.
How did you become involved in the tandem tour?
"I met Oskar at a conference last year where we co-led a running group. He told me about the project, and I thought it was a brilliant idea. Cycling is both environmentally friendly and promotes health – and doing it on a tandem bike truly symbolises research collaboration."
What are you most looking forward to on the tour?
"I have never ridden a tandem bike before, so that will be a challenge! But it’s also a fantastic opportunity to see Skåne and talk about research in a new way. We’ll be filming during the ride and discussing research as we pedal – it’ll be both breathless and exciting."
Which leg are you cycling, and how have you prepared?
"The leg I will be cycling is a 90-kilometre stretch between Bromölla and Tomelilla, which I have heard is quite hilly. I will take the train down to Bromölla on 21 May, and we’ll start early the next morning."
“I have tried to prepare by doing spinning, boxing, and Hyrox. I also run across the Traneberg Bridge on my way to the Widerström building. I am also glad I took part in the Research Grand Prix last year, as the lecture in Tomelilla’s library is aimed at a general audience, and we have been instructed to use the Research Grand Prix coaching videos to help make our presentations more accessible and engaging.”
What will you talk about during your lecture in Tomelilla?
“I will be presenting findings from my doctoral project, which focuses on the debut in eldercare – that is, when people apply for and are granted support for the first time. It is a transformative life event that isn’t talked about enough, even though many of us will be affected by it, either directly or as relatives.”
What has your research shown so far?
“Among other things, that half of those who receive eldercare for the first time do so directly after a hospital stay. Many also have significant needs already at the point of entry. There is also an interesting correlation between how often someone has visited their primary care centre beforehand and the extent of the support they receive. This is important knowledge for better planning and coordination of health and social care.”
Thank you for the chat, and best of luck, Pernilla!