The city of Oldenburg has pursued a systematic strategy to promote age-friendliness since 2012, guided by the eight domains of the WHO “Age-Friendly Cities” framework. With the unanimously adopted 2025 agenda “Self-determined and Right in the Middle!”, the City Council approved a comprehensive action plan that integrates four key areas: social participation, health and care, housing and mobility, as well as governance and coordination.

In the field of information, counselling and social participation, the Senior and Care Support Centre (SPN) provides low-threshold guidance on care, housing, social support, and volunteering opportunities. This is complemented by decentralised older adult support projects across all districts, fostering social inclusion directly within neighbourhoods. To strengthen digital skills among older adults, initiatives such as the “Eingeloggt!” week are implemented.
In the area of health and care, a municipal care planning unit works on developing a needs-based care infrastructure. At the same time, innovative cooperation models between volunteers and professional care services—such as neighbourhood-based care support—are being expanded. Particular attention is given to old adults (90+) and people living with dementia.

To promote an age-friendly living environment, Oldenburg focuses on barrier-free housing, intergenerational housing projects, and the implementation of the Mobility Plan 2030, aiming to ensure safe and accessible mobility for all.
Cross-sector governance is coordinated by the Office for Strategic Social Planning. In close cooperation with the University of Oldenburg and the Jade University of Applied Sciences, academic knowledge is directly transferred into municipal practice. In particular, the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ-DE), translated in 2024 as part of local age-friendly development efforts, is increasingly used in planning and participation processes and has attracted growing interest in German-speaking countries. Oldenburg positions itself as a source of inspiration for age-friendly urban development at both national and international levels.

Future priorities include tackling loneliness and poverty amongst older adults, strengthening support for informal caregivers, and developing a digital monitoring system to ensure transparent coordination of all measures. Membership in the Körber-Stiftung Demography Network further strengthens national and international exchange.