Report on the elderly and recommendations for action for the city of Jena 2023 presented

Demographic change and the increase in the elderly population pose particular challenges for municipal services of general interest. In Jena, there is a steady increase in the population over the age of 80. Compared to 2011, this age group is predicted to double by 2030.

Rich statistical data

In this first report on the elderly with recommendations for action, the city of Jena analyzes this development and the resulting necessary adjustments. The report is particularly useful for preparing decisions in the political bodies. With extensive statistical data and graphics, the report provides an overview of the demographic structure and socio-economic situation of the elderly population in Jena. The report was mainly compiled by elderly care planner Franziska Wächter and Jan Wiescholek from the Integrated Social Planning team. The Controlling and Statistics team was responsible for the data basis.

Eberhard Hertzsch, Head of Social Affairs, praised the well-founded presentation of the current situation: "Jena offers a high quality of life, especially for older age groups. In order for Jena to continue on this path, we need a basis for the public debate on how we want to and can grow old in Jena. The report on the elderly forms this basis and provides concrete recommendations for action."

Single households are a challenge

For many years now, the city has been promoting comprehensive, needs-based care for the elderly in order to enable older people to lead independent, self-determined and satisfied lives and thus meet the requirement of "outpatient before inpatient". The number of single-person households in the over-80 age group increased by 84.2 percent between 2011 and 2021. This increases the problem of age-appropriateness in living spaces and also the need for care. As costs rise, the networking of existing services in particular will need to be intensified.

Concrete steps named

The specific aim of the report is to develop measures to create a stable, age-appropriate infrastructure. To this end, five fields of action have been identified to which concrete steps have been assigned. These fields are

1. social participation
2. care
3. housing
4. public relations
5. networking

The elderly care report will now be discussed in the city's committees and submitted to the city council for approval at the end of June.