[Senior Trend] Improving Living Conditions for Seniors Also Increases Birth Rates

Europe's Senior Trend ④ Case of Germany

Last September, the International Gerontechnology Symposium (ISG 2024) was held in Frankfurt, Germany. It was a forum to discuss and share cases of healthy aging and digital solutions by combining gerontology and technology. About 300 scholars from 35 countries around the world participated. In response to the aging society, there were various exchanges by experts and countries on "Sustainability and Crises - Challenges and Innovation for Gerontechnology." I was curious why it was held in ‘Germany,’ and there was a reason.

Germany is a leader in ‘age-friendly cities.’ It aims for a free urban environment where all citizens aging can enjoy safety, health, and active socio-economic participation. To guarantee mobility, safety, and convenience, a positive community perception of aging and environmental and technological considerations are needed alongside the space. There are several examples such as Arnsberg City and Radevormwald City. Not only cities but also rural and fishing villages are moving toward manuals and application scopes that embrace inclusivity.

Recently, I read a report titled ‘Now a National Trend of Rejuvenation: Germany.’ As of the end of 2023, Germany’s average age is 46.5 years, which is about 0.3 years younger. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Germany is currently one of the world’s top five ‘super-aged’ societies, and the population aged 65 and over is steadily increasing, expected to exceed 30% of the total population by 2050. In Germany, positive perceptions of having children have spread, and in recent years, economic stability and childcare policy support have increased the birth rate. As of 2020, it was 1.5 children per woman.

The goal is not simply to increase the birth rate but for society to actively respond to aging. The German government is leading efforts to utilize digital technology to improve the health and labor participation of the elderly population, create opportunities for community activities, lead the development of age-friendly specific technologies, and reduce difficulties in the labor market by improving working environments. A representative example is INQA (Federal Initiative New Quality of Work).

Since 2002, Germany’s Ministry of Employment and Labor has actively supported the elderly’s demands for improved working environments. They established lifelong learning activities, facilitated knowledge exchange among workers of different generations, and anticipated and prepared necessary education step by step. Encouragement of diversity management and inclusion within companies is also included. Although HR capabilities are relatively limited, this approach has been useful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for 99.5% of all German companies.

The actual working environment has also changed. For example, in factories, resting areas are designed so that knee joints do not have to bend excessively, lighting is brighter for seniors with deteriorated eyesight, and special sponge-padded paths reduce slipping and injuries from falls. These measures enhance accessibility and safety for older workers.

Meanwhile, the national healthcare sector has also begun extensive efforts to improve services for the elderly. Long-term care insurance (LTC) has been made mandatory, focusing on improving conditions for both home care recipients and providers to meet increasing care demands. Efforts are made to enhance the quality and cost-effectiveness of treatment for dementia, chronic diseases, and psychological disorders in underserved areas, using e-health technologies.

A special aspect of German society is that both the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have encouraged intergenerational interaction within communities for the elderly. When expanding community infrastructure or distributing subsidies, connections were emphasized. Therefore, innovative programs such as shared housing between seniors and youth, and linking nursing homes with elementary schools exist. Despite being very independent, Germany’s elderly show high participation in these programs.

Also noteworthy are the Seniorenb?ros (Senior Offices, SCO). SCOs were created as a social and political effort in the 1980s to change the negative image of aging that was widespread at the time. They provide seniors who wish to participate socially after retirement with extensive volunteer opportunities related to culture, environment, politics, health, and social issues. Breaking down mobility and accessibility barriers in Germany, barrier-free public transportation, and reconstruction program legislation for aging housing stock are all achievements of SCO.

Germany’s example informs us of the need for comprehensive social change. Through the active social contribution and participation of seniors, as well as governments, companies, and institutions, the demographically determined future can be shaped differently depending on how it is created.

Lee Boram, CEO of Third Age

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.