Care in transition – Life situations, self-initiative, and social participation in old age

The living situations of older people in Germany today are highly diverse. Between care shortages and loneliness on the one hand, and vibrant neighbourhood networks on the other, lies a wide spectrum of experiences. Added to this is the growing number of family carers – currently around 7.1 million people – whose role is central to the functioning of our care system, regardless of formal family ties.

The panel asks how care in old age can be rethought under the conditions of demographic change, social inequality, and rising old-age poverty. The focus is not only on institutional structures, but also on forms of self-initiative, neighbourhood support, and social participation.

A particular emphasis is placed on the situation of older people in a migration society. Many grow old far from their place of origin and – due to demanding working and living conditions, experiences of discrimination, and limited financial resources – are especially vulnerable to health problems and care needs. Language barriers and cultural differences further complicate access to services. Although culturally sensitive approaches have been called for over decades, suitable provisions remain patchy.

participants

With Almina Zisi (Caregiver), Nazife Sari (Project Lead of Interkulturelle Brückenbauer:innen in der Pflege), Susanne Lucie Bauer & Gabriele Garms (Operators of the womens housing project Beginenhof-Kreuzberg)

Three panels open up different yet interconnected perspectives on the theme of care: from child and youth welfare, to elder care, to post-familial, collective practices. Together, they show that care is a responsibility for society as a whole – one that calls for institutional reform, new social models, and a critical reflection on family images.