As of 31 December 2025, the City of Münster has just over 320,000 inhabitants, of whom slightly more than one quarter are aged 60 or older. This corresponds to approximately 81,350 people.

For many years, the City of Münster has been committed to addressing the needs and interests of older people. One of its key priorities is fostering a citywide culture of care and mutual support that is rooted in local neighbourhoods. To this end, the city funds five inclusive, age-friendly neighbourhood centres and works closely with the many community meeting places for older people. As early as 2017, the City Council adopted the Master Plan for Age-Friendly and Inclusive Neighbourhoods, which aims to enable older people to live independently for as long as possible in their familiar surroundings. This is supported, among other measures, through outreach services such as Home Visits for People Aged 75 and Over, Community Social Work, the Social Service for Older People, Care and Participation, and the Care Information Office. These advisory services provide guidance and support to older people and their families and carers on issues relating to social participation, volunteering, health, and long-term care.

Responsibility for implementing the Age-Friendly City Strategy lies with the City of Münster’s Older People’s Services Planning Unit. Following a prolonged vacancy in the relevant position, the Age-Friendly City Advisory Board was established in 2026. The Advisory Board brings together representatives of older people, experts from fields such as social welfare and sport, and representatives from various municipal departments, including transport, urban planning, and public health. The Board supports the city’s strategic planning and helps ensure coordinated action across all domains of age-friendly environments. At present, its main priorities are improving access to information about existing services for older people and strengthening digital inclusion.

In addition to the priorities identified through scientific evidence and data analysis, Münster places a strong emphasis on participation in identifying and refining areas for action. To this end, the city works closely with the twelve district-based Growing Older in Münster working groups. These groups bring together local organisations and institutions, residents, and the Municipal Seniors’ Council. The Seniors’ Council contributes ideas and issues recommendations on a wide range of topics to the City Council of Münster. From 2027 onwards, the findings of a representative citizen survey will also help to further enhance Münster’s development as an age-friendly city.