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Focus on innovative technologies
At the INSIDERTREFF in Löbau, the Social Gerontology degree programme stands out with its modern teaching facilities and exciting hands-on activities.
On May 25, 2024, the INSIDERTREFF took place in Löbau, where a wealth of information on vocational training and higher education was presented, along with exciting hands-on activities. In addition to regional companies, visitors were also able to learn about the individual faculties at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG). The GAT Institute and the Faculty of Social Sciences took the opportunity to present the part-time degree programme in Social Gerontology.
A highlight was the presentation of technologies from the Ambient Assisted Living Laboratory (AAL Lab). Students in the Social Gerontology program have many opportunities to engage with innovative technologies , particularly in the module “Innovation and Digitalization in Aging.” In this module, topics such as digital literacy among older adults, as well as the benefits and risks of technical assistance systems in the home and in care settings, are thoroughly explored and discussed. For example, visitors were able to take a virtual tour of the AAL Lab using VR headsets, which provided a realistic insight into the possibilities and applications of modern technology in aging research.
The GERT aging simulation suit, which simulates the typical limitations experienced by older adults, drew particular attention. This experience allowed high school students, college students, nursing trainees, and other interested individuals to experience the challenges of aging firsthand. The suit is an important component of the “Health, Care, and Disability in Later Life” module in the Social Gerontology program, as it fosters a deep understanding of the needs of older adults and thus contributes to practical training.
In addition, visitors had the opportunity to interact with JustoCat, a small care robot from the AAL lab. This interactive therapy cat is specifically designed to enrich the daily lives of people with dementia by evoking memories of interacting with real cats and thereby promoting positive emotional responses. Working with such technologies is also a central component of the “Innovation and Digitalization in Aging” module, where students are prepared to develop and apply innovative solutions to support older adults.
Overall, the fair provided an excellent platform for fostering dialogue between prospective students and university representatives, as well as for sparking interest in HSZG’s social science degree programmes. The close integration of theory and practice—particularly through the use of state-of-the-art technologies—makes the Social Gerontology degree programme especially attractive and forward-looking.
The AAL Laboratory at the GAT Institute is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the Saxony5 2.0 collaborative project and is operated in cooperation with the Görlitz housing association KommWohnen. This support makes it possible to research advanced technologies and put them into practice, which directly benefits students of social gerontology.
2nd floor