When are you old? In Germany, young people find all people over the age of 60. The self-assessment of the elderly is probably much higher, at a good 69. But isn't it more important how we grow old and live as older people?
‘The focus is clear’, says Beate Boege-Sonnek from Bad Orb, ‘our society is getting older and older – the term ‘baby boomers’ – and we therefore want to be aware of all areas of this society’. ‘It is our job to place the issues of the elderly politically, that is our task’, the participants all agree.
And these topics are always diverse:
Especially older people suffer from overheating in cities, have it harder than others and can hardly escape the heat. The many concrete, the lack of plants and countless heat-storing surfaces make cities heat islands where it can be up to ten degrees Celsius warmer than in the countryside.
Another challenge is medical care in rural areas. Good medical care for citizens is an important political concern. Older people in particular suffer from undersupply, as they need more support and are limited in their mobility with increasing age.
Accordingly, the transport concepts must be designed in such a way that even older people can remain mobile and continue to live independently. In addition, transport concepts need to be adapted to age – according to the Greens.
In addition to mobility, another important field is affordable and barrier-free housing as well as forms of living against loneliness and for commonality. Cities and municipalities must also strive for the older generation in their urban development.
The participants agree that there is a lot to do and will stand up for it in their respective municipalities.
The next meeting will also be organised for all interested parties 60+, without and with a green party book. Everyone is cordially invited. Contact via kv@gruene-mkk.de.
English (UK)