Is the wait over? Senior speaker fights for new advisory board!

Is the wait over? Senior speaker fights for new advisory board!

Things are currently quiet around the senior citizens' advisory board in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, but that is not necessarily positive. AZ Online reports that Roswitha Koerlin, the only remaining member of the advisory board, has been waiting for new members to be appointed for over a year. Normally, a new seniors' advisory board is appointed with the new district council, but this did not happen in the last term of office. This situation is problematic because the senior citizens' advisory board has an important function: it is supposed to represent the interests of the older population in the district.

Koerlin, who is also the senior representative for the city of Salzwedel, feels overwhelmed by the lack of support. “I don’t feel like I’m being taken seriously when it comes to working with seniors,” she says, disappointed by District Administrator Steve Kanitz’s answers to her questions so far, which have only been comforting. The last district council meeting also gave no hope of a quick solution, as the senior citizens' advisory board was not on the agenda.

New advisory board and current challenges

The new framework conditions for the senior citizens' advisory board have been in force since June 25th. Interestingly, Koerlin was not involved in the drafting of the new statutes, which does not make the situation any easier. In the Altmark district of Salzwedel, the district seniors' advisory board has existed since 2009. Altmarkkreis Salzwedel emphasizes that the advisory board consists of five members who are appointed by the district council and work on a voluntary basis. The members provide advice, educate people about specific senior needs and improve living conditions for older people.

Koerlin is currently committed, but has little backing. “There are some ideas, like a seniors’ fair, that I would like to implement, but I need support for that,” she explains. The advisory board has an advisory function, but should actually also be the voice of the seniors and be heard in important decisions, which is currently missing.

The role of the seniors' advisory board

The Senior Citizens' Advisory Board is not only a platform for older citizens, but also a link between generations. As in different Reports on senior citizens' advisory councils can be read, it could provide education and information about the concerns of older people to policy makers. The aim of this committee is to draw attention to the problems and needs of seniors and to actively participate in the planning of support offers.

However, there is no obligation for municipalities or federal states to set up a senior citizens' advisory board, which is clear from the situation in the Altmarkkreis. However, the need for an active body that can consistently represent the voice of the older generation is becoming increasingly clear as the older population gradually gains prominence in society.

Roswitha Koerlin hopes that the year 2025 will bring positive changes and that the Seniors' Advisory Board will soon be able to work actively again - for the interests of seniors in the region. But until the voices of this important population group are heard, it remains to be seen how the situation develops.