Using the potential of older people in local communities - Experience for Initiatives: results of the Federal Model Programme

Abstract

"23 million people in Germany – almost one in three over the age of 14 – are involved in civil society. This is an impressive figure that we talk about far too little. But today we need involvement in civil society more than ever. The state could not perform all of the tasks that young and old do for no money. Voluntary involvement is a very important component of a society with a human face. The power of cohesion and helping each other, caring for each other – this is a commodity that we can and have to bring back to life in involvement in civil society, in voluntary work. In view of the demographic challenge, the older generation in particular will have an increasingly important role. After the career and family phase it has a great wealth of knowledge gained through experience and time. This potential must be made useful for society. But for this we also need local authorities where the politicians and administrators, responsible parties in educational facilities, associations and voluntary organisations are open to the great demand for self-determined and selforganised involvement by older people. The model programme 'Experience for Initiatives' (EFI) is an important step in this direction: around 1,000 older people have already taken part in courses to be seniortrainers in order to learn something new and to use their experience in many local projects – for the benefit of all age and population groups locally. 'enior expertise teams' become reliable partners and important pace setters for voluntary involvement in local communities. Active senior citizens develop creativity, innovation and a willingness to act. They are putting the cycle of give and take between the generations back in motion and, at the same time, are drawing a new picture of old age." (excerpt)