The City of Heidelberg looks back on several decades of successful work with senior citizens and continually expands and/or adapts its work to the changing requirements. In this context, the City requests and takes into account information on the requirements of and consequences for all generations in its important urban development projects and policy guidebooks. We are convinced that we need strong social ties based on harmony and equal rights to create good living conditions (for older persons).
In its work with senior citizens, the City of Heidelberg focuses on approaches adapted to the specifics and infrastructure of every individual district. The senior citizen centers (open centers for older persons) across the city are an important cooperation partner in this respect. Apart from a lunch table (including a discount for vulnerable households), they are also a space of encounter and offer different activities. They are at the intersection of volunteer work, participation, networking and multiplier exchange.
Heidelberg boasts an excellent medical coverage (broad range of services in the university clinic, renowned medical university), a diverse volunteering landscape, cultural offers, educational activities and exercise for people of old age.
To maintain this diversity in our extensive offer for all needs, the City of Heidelberg has repeatedly focused on innovative projects in the last years. As a university city, Heidelberg also benefits from a close exchange with researchers and the scientific world. The interests of older persons are taken into account in the planning and implementation process of measures concerning infrastructure and urban development. Wherever possible, the city administration relies on a participatory and cross-sector approach.
A large-scale survey among citizens will support the city administration in creating a new urban development concept including goals and policy recommendations. Every WHO Sustainability Goal is also considered with a view to age-related topics.