The district of Görlitz, like many other more peripheral and rural locations in Germany, is characterized by advancing demographic change, whereby the ratio of older and very old people to the total population is increasing rapidly. This trend is exacerbated by the migration of younger generations to (large) urban areas. Rural regions face the challenge of providing their residents with a good infrastructure for care and participation in old age. One way to meet these challenges is to sustainably integrate technical assistance systems into the homes and living spaces of older people in order to support them in living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. How this technology can be sensibly integrated into the living space, as well as ways of advising older people on assistive technology in line with their needs, are important strands of research at the GAT Institute.

How do we want to live in old age? How can I live independently in my home for as long as possible? What technical options can help me do this? How can I support relatives even when I am not there?

The GAT Institute is currently discussing these questions as well as the living situation and social participation of older people in the district of Görlitz with interested citizens as part of the TALK project event series (Technology and media sovereignty through outreach rural cooperation networks, funded by SMWK/SAB).

The first event took place on 28.6.2022 at Martinshof in Rothenburg, where Dr. Cordula Endter and Bill Pottharst presented the results of their research paper at the GAT Institute in the Brüdersaal of the education and meeting center. Afterwards, there was the opportunity to talk to the researchers and try out age-appropriate technology on site. As a highlight, the Pepper assistance robot made a guest appearance and highlighted the opportunities and challenges that digitalization brings to the lives of older people.

Many thanks to the TALK team, without whom the event would not have been possible.