Barbro Westerholm passed away on 13 March 2023.

She was born in 1933 in Stockholm, received a medical degree from Karolinska Institutet (KI) in 1959, received her PhD in 1964 and thereafter became an associate professor at KI. Between 2013 and 2018, Barbro Westerholm was a member of the External Steering Group at the Aging Research Center (ARC).

“She was the reference person for all people working with older adults in the fields of health care, research and social assistance”, says Laura Fratiglioni.

She was also a member of parliament and became a strong voice in politics.

“Throughout her life, she always fought for the rights of minority and vulnerable groups. Barbro’s influence on how to look upon older persons in Sweden, or year-rich (årsrika) as she would put it, cannot be overestimated”, says Johan Fritzell.

“We will miss her creative intellect, her innovative engagement, and her elegant style”, Laura Fratiglioni adds.