Health buddies in Wusterhausen: Support for seniors in everyday life

Health buddies in Wusterhausen: Support for seniors in everyday life

When it comes to the support of older people, the use of volunteer * health buddies * is of crucial importance. In Wusterhausen, Renate Rettschlag, a committed 68-year-old, took on her role as a health buddy two years ago in order to enable people in need of care. “[Maz-online.de] (https://www.maz-online.de/lokales/ostprignitz-ruppin/wusterhausen/pflege-im-gertheitstheit-gätzs-wusterhausen- arrival-zum-such-a5yxfzoswjd63fdukoxzi.html)” focused and realized by regular home visits to an older lady with Parkinson's and dementia.

About ten years ago by the Potsdam Gerontologist Gisela Gehrmann, the Health Budddy initiative in Wusterhausen in 2021 was further specified by founding the group of active joy (s) de. This group has set itself the task of organizing events for people in need of care and offers weekly support from the health and cultural buddies. At their meetings there are not only movement and thinking games on the agenda, but also conversations and sharing memories, which reduces social isolation.

stay healthy in old age

The concerns of these initiatives are underpinned by the multi -layered challenges with which older people are confronted today. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the RKI is pursuing continuous health monitoring that aims specifically at the needs of older people. Regular population -representative health studies are essential to sustainably improve the quality of life in old age. The health study "Health 65+", which runs from 2021 to 2024, is to be collected relevant data on mental and physical health of older people. This data is valuable in order to develop specific health promotion measures that are tailored to the needs of this age group, especially in view of challenges such as the effects of covid-19 pandemy.

Similar projects are also available in Vienna, where the Wiener Aidwerk has initiated a health program that is aimed at around 33,000 frail people over the age of 65. The * health buddies * in Vienna not only offer support in everyday life, they also give tips on healthy nutrition and support in building muscle. The awareness of the risk of falls and the promotion of quality of life is particularly emphasized here. A free physiotherapeutic assessment helps those interested to classify themselves for the program and take the necessary steps.

volunteer engagement

Both programs testify to the need to promote independence and quality of life of older people. The Wusterhausen health buddies are financed via the “Care on site” program of the long -term care funds and user contributions, while in Vienna the participation in the health program is free. In order to master the numerous challenges in old age, committed people are in demand. The Wiener Aidwerk is actively looking for health buddies who can support their neighbors and fellow human beings after a well -founded training.

The connection between volunteering and professional support is the key to an active and self -determined life in old age. Interested parties in Wusterhausen can find all contact addresses in the article on [maz-online.de] (https://www.maz-online.de/lokales/ostprignitz-ruppin/wusterhausen/pflege-im-getheit-gesgebuddys-wusterhausen- arrival-a5yxfzoswjd63dbmt3fdukoxzi.html) Wiener can find out about the offers of the Hilfwerk.at. The focus in both cities is clearly on strengthening the quality of life and preventing the typical retirement risks.