Ostalb together: Network against loneliness started in old age

Ostalb together: Network against loneliness started in old age

In the Ostalb district, a new network under the name "Ostalb together" was founded in June, which takes care of the challenges of social change. This network combines various partners, including the district administration, the AOK Ostwürttemberg, the district senior council Ostalb and the city of Neresheim. An important innovation is the participation of Catholic Adult Education Ostalbkreis (KEB), which is the carrier of open adult education and is now actively involved in the design of the network.

The managing director of the Ostalbkreis Education plant, Ana de Requesens Moll, emphasizes that the network should serve to take up social challenges and create a platform for open discussions. "We look forward to working within this network," she explains. The idea is that through intensive networking in the Ostalb district, experiences and resources are bundled in order to provide effective help where it is necessary. Project manager Manuel Gillner emphasizes how important it is to actively promote the exchange in order to specifically respond to the needs of citizens.

The challenges of loneliness

Loneliness is an essential challenge, especially for older people, as the educational officer of the KEB, Kathrin Specht, explains. It indicates that the social changes that are associated with aging often lead to a decline in the social network. Many people experience considerable social reduction in retirement. In addition, the number of people living alone increases, which increases the risk of loneliness. Diseases and decreasing mobility are other factors that can help to feel isolated.

Loneliness not only has emotional but also serious physical effects. It can lead to a variety of mental and health diseases, which is why it is of crucial importance to counteract this. The network plans to clarify this topic and offer various events to promote the community. The aim is to raise awareness of the topic of aging and to offer people support.

commitment to the community

"Ostalb together" is not limited to the imparting of knowledge. It is also about actively strengthening the community and creating a feeling of belonging. At a time when many social contacts are endangered by various circumstances, the offer of joint events becomes essential. The idea is to create meeting rooms in which older people can talk to each other and exchange ideas.

The KEB and its partners are committed to offering a space in which all generations can learn and support each other. It is an opportunity for people in the Ostalbkreis to establish new connections and to master the challenges of aging together. Further information on the offers and activities of the network can be called up online at www.gemeinsam.ostalbkreis.de .

a forward -looking cooperation

The initiatives that result from the "Ostalb together" network show how important it is to speak openly about systemic challenges and to develop solutions. The commitment of the KEB and its partners not only promises a creative and supportive environment, but also shows how cooperation in the region can open up new perspectives. Linking education, social interaction and health promotion is an important step in the right direction to strengthen social cohesion in the Ostalb district.

The role of loneliness in old age

loneliness is an increasing problem among the older population that has received more attention in recent years. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation can have a negative effect on health. An investigation by the Robert Koch Institute showed that about 20 % of the over 65-year-olds in Germany to feel lonely. The reasons are diverse: loss of partners, the withdrawal from social activities and declining mobility helps many older people live in isolation.

social structures are also changing. The traditional family structure has changed and many older people no longer live in multi -generation households. These developments strengthen the need for support networks, such as the “Ostalb together” project. The idea of promoting community en masse can be decisive in this context in order to counteract loneliness and create a supporting environment.

The network and its initiatives

The “Ostalb together” network aims to bundle help offers and develop events that promote interactive exchange. Among the planned activities are workshops, educational offers and leisure events that aim to integrate the seniors into the community and to improve their quality of life.

The cooperation partners play an important role in mobilizing a wide range of resources. AOK Ostwürttemberg brings its expertise in health management, while the district senior council Ostalb gives valuable insights into the specific needs of the older population. The district administration ensures the organizational framework that is necessary to carry out the planned initiatives.

The commitment of these partners illustrates the endeavors not only to take prevention measures, but also to create long -term social networking. Such networks are necessary to meet the individual needs of the older people, and to create conditions that reduce loneliness.

experiences from comparable projects

The idea of community networks that take care of the support of older people is not new and can be observed in various regions of Germany. Projects such as "neighborhood help" or "senior advisory boards" have already proven that the creation of social framework conditions can lead to better living conditions. Such initiatives have been successfully started in cities such as Freiburg or Munich and have contributed to reducing loneliness and promoting social contacts. Each initiative is tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of the respective region.

In comparison, the “Ostalb together” project shows that the inter -municipal exchange and the joint development of solutions are decisive in order to cope with the challenges of loneliness. While the approaches can vary, the basic principle remains the same: actively integrate people near them and create a supportive environment. The network in Ostalbkreis also follows the same principle - it is local networking that can make a difference.

The common goal remains to promote a healthy and lively coexistence, which is particularly important in times of social changes. The networking of various actors and resources can manage to create a strong and supportive socio -political environment for the older generation.