Healthy Aging
Exploring pathways to a longer, healthier life
Healthy aging is shaped by many interconnected factors, from nutrition and metabolism to cognitive health, medical innovation, and lifestyle choices. While there is no single approach that works for everyone, research increasingly shows that different pathways can contribute to maintaining health, well-being, and independence throughout life.
At this Dialogue Series event, experts from academia and healthcare will share insights into the science behind various approaches and discuss what current evidence can tell us about aging well. From the biology of aging to the importance of social connection, the event brings together diverse perspectives while highlighting practical lessons relevant across generations.
Join us for an evening of scientific insights, discussion, and exchange as we explore how different approaches can contribute to healthier aging.
Event Details
📅 Date: 8 October 2026
⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:30 (followed by Apéro, arrival welcome from 17:30)
💬 Language: English
📍 Location: Dozentenfoyer, ETH Zurich Zentrum
🤝 Organized in collaboration with the von Meyenn Lab of ETH Zurich, Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic, and MIDHOS (Metabolism | Inflammation | Digital Health | Osteology)
Program
17:30 | Doors Open & Registration
18:00 | Welcome — Jeanne Tomaszewski, World Food System Center
18:10 | Inputs on Science on Healthy Aging
Pathways for Healthy Aging, Ferdinand von Meyenn, Professor of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, ETH Zurich
Fasting for Health: Marie Knufinke, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, and Deputy Scientific Director, Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic
Dietary Factors for Cognitive Health: Patricia Chocano Bedoya, MD. PhD. PD., Head of Ageing Research at the Bern Institute of Primary Health Care, University of Bern
Social Relationships for Health: Tabea Meier, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of Lucerne
18:45 | Moderated discussion, with questions from audience
19:25 | Closing remarks
19:30 | Apéro with discussion tables with experts
🔔 RSVP: This event is free, but registration is mandatory. Sign up early to secure a spot and de-register if your plans change.
Who should attend?
This event is designed for researchers, students, clinicians, healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry representatives, and anyone interested in the science of healthy aging. Whether your interests lie in nutrition, metabolism, medicine, public health, psychology, or longevity research, this evening offers opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and connect with experts and peers.
About the organizers
The World Food System Center was established at ETH Zurich based on the belief that the real-world solutions needed to tackle the challenges our food system faces require collaboration from global and local stakeholders across the entire food value chain. We work across disciplines and scales and in partnerships with key stakeholders to create new knowledge and ensure it is translated into real world impact.
Partner Organizations
von Meyenn Lab, ETH Zurich investigates how epigenetic mechanisms and metabolism influence health, aging, and disease.
Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic is an internationally recognized medical clinic specializing in therapeutic fasting, integrative medicine, and health promotion.
MIDHOS is an interdisciplinary research collaboration focused on Metabolism, Inflammation, Digital Health, and Osteology, advancing innovative approaches to prevention and healthy aging.
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This event is part of the World Food System Center Dialogue Series 2026.
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