Community in old age: successful projects in Pferdingsleben

Community in old age: successful projects in Pferdingsleben

Pferdingsleben. In the small community of Pferdingsleben, a remarkable project has established itself, which in particular gives the older residents a new feeling of living. For eight months, the village worker Peggy Siegfried, who goes to work with a lot of enthusiasm and creativity, has conducted regular meetings for senior citizens to prevent social isolation.

"We are very impressed by the project", says Ursula Schwanecke, a 73-year-old participant who has been coming to the gatherings regularly since April. "It's nice that you see and exchanged." In fact, between four and twelve women between the ages of 62 and 86 are present at the meetings, who gather in the local bookstore twice a week. Not only are talking here, but also doing something together.

diverse offers for seniors

The range of activities ranges from game afternoons to watercolor painting to yoga and walks together. Peggy Siegfried organizes the meetings with a lot of dedication and ensures that the participants are not only passive listeners, but are also actively involved in planning the events. "The guests are definitely involved," explains Siegfried, while preparing for the upcoming fire brigade festival, in which the creative participation plays an important role.

A special highlight of the meetings was a police information visit, which clarified the so -called grandchildren - a fraud phenomenon that affects older people in particular. Despite the large number of offers, however, the village care still sees potential for improvements. So far, she has not been able to address a younger audience, and men also hardly seem to accept the invitation to the meetings. "It doesn't matter what we do," said Peggy Siegfried. "The main thing is that people come out."

desired job village care

For Peggy Siegfried, her role means not only a job, but a calling. "A profession comes from a calling that is my job here," she emphasizes. Your commitment includes 16 hours a week in which she takes care of the well -being of the older generation. There are already planning for a continuation of the program next year, since the mayor has requested a corresponding extension.

The success of the project speaks for itself: For many senior citizens, the meetings are a welcome change in everyday life, which offers them the opportunity to exchange ideas and establish social contacts. Often there is more talking about the meetings than actively participating in the events. This shows the great need for common space and the desire for social interactions within this age group.

not only creates new zest for life in Pferdingsleben, but also a sign of the importance of social networks. In an increasingly fast -moving and isolated world, this project is a step towards a warm and connecting neighborhood. The positive response shows how valuable such initiatives are and what importance they can have for the community.

A look into the future

The initiative of Peggy Siegfried stands as an example for other communities that want to create similar programs. It is clear that the desire for encounter and exchange is strong and that the need for community requires a new appreciation, especially in the older population. May this positive trend in Pferdingsleben are also well received in other regions and lead to the creation of even more lively village communities.

horse life. positive balance eight months after the start of the program. An extension has already been requested for the next year.

"We are very impressed by the project," says Ursula Schwanecke. The 73-year-old primarily praises the "hardworking, creative village care". Ursula Schwanecke regularly attended the meetings in April. "It's nice that you see and exchanged."

Four to twelve women between the ages of 62 and 86 meet twice a week in the Pferdingslebener Büchstube. Peggy Siegfried organizes the meetings. The 52-year-old has been working as a village carer in Pferdingsleben since the beginning of the year. She gets paid 16 hours a week.

seniors involved in planning

From the game afternoon over watercolor painting, walks together to yoga extends the range of offers. Some events also take place together with other places, such as Tröchtelborn and Eschenbergen. So once the police were guests and informed about the grandchildren. The round had also made the round for the fire brigade festival at the weekend. The guests would definitely be included in the planning of the events.

A younger audience has not yet won Peggy Siegfried, and men prefer to stay away from the meetings. "It doesn't matter what we do," said Peggy Siegfried. "The main thing is that people come out." It also happens that senior citizens do not want to participate, but want to talk and listen. Sometimes the offer is completely out because the need for speech is greater.

For Peggy Siegfried, a wish came true with this work. "A profession comes from a calling that is my job here," she says. The mayor has already applied for an extension of the project for next year.

social background

In rural areas such as horse life, the aging of the population is an increasing challenge. The number of older people is increasing, while at the same time the opportunities for social contact are often limited. This can lead to loneliness and social isolation. The project, which is directed by a dedicated village, aims to counteract these challenges by creating a platform for social exchange and leisure activities.

A central aspect of the initiative is to promote community. Such programs are particularly important because older people are often less mobile and can no longer take part in social activities so easily. Instead, the meetings create a feeling of belonging that is crucial for the well -being of the participants.

Current statistics on senior population

statistics show that the proportion of over 65-year-olds in Germany is growing steadily. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this proportion of population was already 22.1 % of the total population in 2021. This means that more than every fifth person in Germany is older than 65 years. Forecasts indicated that this proportion could increase to over 25 % by 2035.

Participation in leisure activities is of great importance for seniors. Studies have shown that regular social interaction can reduce the risk of depression and cognitive impairments. The presented program in Pferdingsleben could therefore serve as a model for similar initiatives in other communities. Through targeted offers, attempts are made to offer the senior citizens' opportunities that increase their quality of life and integrate them into the community.