Background: Demographic change

Young hands hold an old hand.
Picture credit: Jörg Schischke

The term “demographic change” describes several processes of change in the composition of the population:

  • Life expectancy is increasing – older people are living longer.
  • Low birth rates – the number of children is declining.
  • This is causing an increase in the percentage of older people in the overall population.

That is changing our society: while 16.7 million Germans were 65 years of age or older in 2008, the share of this age group will rise by roughly one-third (33 percent) to 22.3 million people by the year 2030. (Source: Federal Statistical Office)

Demographic change is not unusual for a modern society, and can also be seen in similar form in other countries. It has an impact on many policy fields: from kindergarten construction or pensions policy, all the way to construction and housing. Older people more often live alone – this trend alone changes the living situation. In addition, since families are becoming smaller, there are fewer relatives who can look after the elderly. And those who are willing to do so, often do not live nearby as a result of growing mobility. So, if more older people want to stay in their own homes longer than in the past, but have less opportunity to fall back on the help of relatives than in the past, then the framework conditions need to change: for example, as regards the structural design of housing and in the nursing and health care structures.

Background: Demographic change

Young hand hold an old hand.

The term “demographic change” describes several processes of change in the composition of the population:

  • Life expectancy is increasing – older people are living longer.
  • Low birth rates – the number of children is declining.
  • This is causing an increase in the percentage of older people in the overall population.

That is changing our society: while 16.7 million Germans were 65 years of age or older in 2008, the share of this age group will rise by roughly one-third (33 percent) to 22.3 million people by the year 2030 (Source: Federal Statistical Office).
Demographic change is not unusual for a modern society, and can also be seen in similar form in other countries. It has an impact on many policy fields: from kindergarten construction or pensions policy, all the way to construction and housing. Older people more often live alone – this trend alone changes the living situation. In addition, since families are becoming smaller, there are fewer relatives who can look after the elderly. And those who are willing to do so, often do not live nearby as a result of growing mobility. So, if more older people want to stay in their own homes longer than in the past, but have less opportunity to fall back on the help of relatives than in the past, then the framework conditions need to change: for example, as regards the structural design of housing and in the nursing and health care structures.

Adapting housing to older people’s needs

When designing and adapting not just housing, but also urban neighbourhoods and rural areas to meet elderly people’s needs, society faces a series of challenges brought about by demographic change. Despite the medical advancements achieved to date, physical limitations continue to increase in old age, making everyday life even more difficult to manage than before. An elderly person wanting to stay in their familiar surroundings for as long as they can needs a home that is easily accessible and, if possible, completely barrier-free. If we are to accommodate elderly people’s needs, Germany’s existing housing stock must thus be adapted on an even greater scale than has been the case to date. The country’s current supply of age-appropriate homes is unable to meet growing demand.

Liveable housing, liveable neighbourhoods

Satisfaction, happiness and well-being are largely reliant on whether people like where they live and are able to identify with their neighbourhood or town. Apart from our actual homes, where we live includes the immediate surroundings, the neighbourhood, our social contacts and the amenities nearby – things like home help schemes, mobile nursing services, doctor’s office, shops and public transport. In a society where the balance between the different age groups is shifting, it is even more important that people young and old have contact with one another, help each other out and stick together in times of need. This is where the neighbourhood plays a decisive role. With its various programmes and measures, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth aims to shape the impact of demographic change and exploit the opportunities it brings.

Many and varied options

Living a long life gives people a greater number of healthy years and many older people actively contribute to preserving social cohesion and ensuring quality of life, especially if they have lived in their neighbourhood for many years. The aim is to provide all generations in Germany with comfortable living conditions inside and outside the home. Older people should be able to live independent lives and participate in community life for as long as they possibly can.