The City of Wolfsburg and the Wolfsburg Health Region invite you to the 4th Wolfsburg Health Conference on Social Isolation in Old Age on November 26 at 3 pm. Increasing life expectancy offers older people many opportunities to actively shape their retirement. However, in addition to the positive aspects, living longer also brings challenges: Retirement from working life, the loss of loved ones and a shrinking social network can lead to a gradual reduction in social contacts. These developments harbor the risk that, in the worst case, older people can be affected by social isolation.

Loneliness, being alone and social isolation are increasingly common factors in our society. The lack of social contact has become an unwanted normality for many older people in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which can have consequences for their mental and physical health. However, loneliness and a lack of social contact among older people has not just been an issue since coronavirus. The main factors influencing social isolation in old age are particular housing and living conditions, the individual's state of health and financial situation.

Social isolation is a challenge for society as a whole. The Wolfsburg Health Conference deals with the causes of social isolation and strategies for action. Representatives from science, politics, care and administration will discuss strategies for the participation and integration of isolated older people.

The event starts at 3 p.m. (admission from 2:30 p.m.) in the Hallenbad - Kultur am Schachtweg, Schachtweg 31. Participation is free of charge. Registration and information: elisabeth.krueger@stadt.wolfsburg.de or 05361282091.