Elderly residents in Gelsenkirchen now have a charter to support their needs, joining a growing list of cities that have pledged their commitment.
In the heart of Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, the city of Gelsenkirchen is taking strides to become an age-friendly city, catering to the growing needs of its elderly population.
Gelsenkirchen offers a variety of platforms for residents to stay informed about local news, including daily newsletters, social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. However, for those interested in specific age-friendly initiatives, the city encourages direct consultation with official city government sources or local social service organisations.
One such organisation is the Generationennetz Gelsenkirchen association, which plays a central role in enabling elderly residents to live independently and self-determined. The association, which includes partners like welfare organisations, care facilities, hospitals, and religious communities, aims to allow elderly residents to live in their familiar surroundings.
The city's commitment to creating age-friendly environments is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life for its elderly population. In 2005, the first "Masterplan Senior Services" was developed, and the revised "Gut Älter Werden in Gelsenkirchen 2025" master plan has been developed to address the growing needs in the elderly population. This revised plan focuses on topics such as digital participation, loneliness in old age, care, and mobility.
The municipal senior council, established in 1975, advocates for the needs of elderly residents. The revised master plan was developed in collaboration with the Generationennetz Gelsenkirchen association, with a focus on future-oriented, inclusive senior policies.
The revised master plan does not explicitly mention the demolition of Rotthauser Cemetery or the percentage of pediatricians over 60 in Gelsenkirchen. It also does not mention the plans of the three Gelsenkirchen students with a Super Abitur score of 0.9.
Gelsenkirchen's efforts to become an age-friendly city are part of a larger international network. The city has joined the WHO's "Age-Friendly Cities and Communities" network, aiming to increase the visibility of its local senior services and learn from successful practices in other cities.
Typical measures taken by similar cities in Germany include enhancing accessibility in public transport and urban infrastructure, providing health and social care services tailored to older adults, creating community centres and social activities to reduce isolation, and supporting age-appropriate fitness and rehabilitation programs.
For precise and up-to-date information on Gelsenkirchen’s current initiatives for its aging population, I recommend consulting official city government sources or local social service organisations directly.
The city of Gelsenkirchen, through partnerships with organizations like the Generationennetz Gelsenkirchen association, is fostering a since-2005 commitment to improving the lives of its elderly population, focusing on topics such as digital participation, health, and aging. In line with this, residents are encouraged to engage with official city government sources or local health-and-wellness organizations for detailed information on specific age-friendly initiatives in science and aging.
