Hey everyone! Today, we’d like to share with you some intergenerational learning projects, policies and initiatives at both the national German and European Union (EU) levels that support active ageing through intergenerational learning !
National Initiatives in Germany
At the national level, Germany has many initiatives that promote active ageing. The first relevant governmental institution is the Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMFSFJ). This institution reports and raises awareness of the current situation of older people in Germany.
One of the initiatives is BAGSO (the German National Association of Senior Citizens’ Organizations), which represents the interests of older generations in the country, and it is essential for the cohesion between generations. It stands up for active, self-determined and healthy aging in social security. Additionally, in important policy areas, this association puts themes on the political agenda that are relevant for healthy and active ageing.
Another important policy is the Federal Plan for the Elderly (Bundesaltenplan), which provides support for the development of care and work with the elderly, helping older people live independent and equal lives in society.
Also, the Federal Association of Senior Citizens’ Offices (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Seniorenbüros e.V. (BaS)), which is a network of 450 senior citizens’ offices that promote the voluntary commitment of older people. Among its activities, they offer advice, training, specialist conferences, and initiates local projects. For example, at a local level, a similar initiative is the Senior Citizens’ Council of the State Capital Erfurt (Seniorenbeirat der Landeshauptstadt Erfurt), a council with the task of advising the city on fundamental issues relating to senior citizens’ work.
Moreover, another initiative is the German Digital Strategy 2025, which promotes the use of
new tools with the aim of enhancing Germany’s digitalization and expanding media literacy throughout the states of everyone’s life.
EU-Level Initiatives
At the European level there are also several initiatives that promote active ageing and intergenerational learning, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. One of the goals of the Agenda is encouraging the governments to remove the obstacles for older people (and for all the vulnerable minorities), supporting and meeting their needs, and to offer access to life-long learning opportunities for all the citizens.
In addition, the project Platform AGE, which is committed to share the perspective of older people with research, industrial, and NGO partners, by directly involving older people in research projects to ensure their voices are heard.
Furthermore, there is the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Health Ageing (EIP on AHA), which recognizes that active and healthy ageing is a shared societal challenge in all the European countries. That’s why they support the sustainability and efficiency of health and social care systems, and enhance the competitiveness of EU industry, through business and expansion in new markets.
Lastly, another policy of the EU is the Upskilling Pathways (New opportunities for adults), which aims to help adults strengthen basic skills such as literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Its goal is ensuring that adults can progress towards an upper secondary qualification and acquire a broader set of skills.
In conclusion, both national and EU-level policies and initiatives play a crucial role in facilitating exchanges and ensuring that older adults remain active, engaged, and valued members of society!
Ana Guadalupe Farah
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