Gunilla Isaksson

Gunilla Isaksson is a Professor in Occupational Therapy at Luleå University of Technology's Department of Health, Learning and Technology, within the School of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation. Her research focuses on promoting health and well-being in older adults through enabling participation in everyday activities and adapting to digitalized societies. She co-leads projects like the 'Health Network 2.0' digital intervention and investigates social participation via qualitative methods such as Grounded Theory and Participatory Action Research.

Her research group explores how digital tools can enhance social engagement for seniors, including projects such as 'Diod: Digital and Involved' to simplify online interaction. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on initiatives like proactive health screening for older adults and interventions to support safe mobility. Her work emphasizes participatory approaches, capturing longitudinal experiences of aging populations.

Key contributions include studies on digital group interventions, stakeholder perspectives on social participation, and challenges faced by older couples aging in place. She has published in journals like the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy and Health & Social Care in the Community. Current projects are funded by the Kamprad Family Foundation and the Graduate School of Nursing.

Gunilla Isaksson’s research bridges clinical practice and technological innovation, addressing societal needs for sustainable aging support systems. Her methodological expertise in qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, participatory observations) ensures rich, context-sensitive insights into aging processes.