Prof. dr. Anja Machielse

Anja Machielse is a professor of Humanism and Social Resilience and an endowed professor Social Resilience of Older Adults. She studied philosophy at the University of Amsterdam and the Erasmus University Rotterdam and received her Ph.D. at Utrecht University.

Her work focuses on the social embeddedness of human beings and the significance of social relationships, both for personal life and the wider community. The tension between individual autonomy and the demand of the social environment is central to this. Important themes in her work are social isolation and loneliness, social resilience, existential problems, and meaning in life. Her research into older adults emphasizes (social) resilience, meaning in life, and promoting social recognition. Furthermore, she researches the effectiveness of policies and social interventions and the possibilities and limits of voluntary commitment.
 

For a list of publications go to the UHS research portal