Housing for the Elderly – Between Tradition and the Future

Where do we want to live when we're older—and how? This question affects all of us, sooner or later.

Begin 28. September 2026 - 09:30 Uhr
End 28. September 2026 - 14:00 Uhr

Where do we want to live in our old age—and how?

This question affects us all, sooner or later. Whether you’re thinking about your own future, supporting loved ones, or dealing with the topic professionally: The answers are anything but simple—and they’re as diverse as the people asking them. On September 28, 2026, an event in Görlitz will bring this very diversity to the stage.

From Idea to Reality: Housing Models That Work

Living in a community rather than alone, close to family rather than in a nursing home, living independently rather than being dependent on others—many concepts sound appealing. But what does it look like in practice? Experienced practitioners from Görlitz and the surrounding region will share firsthand accounts: on intergenerational living, modern senior residences, new urban development projects—and also on what has failed and why.

Not Alone in the Neighborhood: The Neighborhood as a Resource

Good living in old age is more than just four walls. It requires people who are there for one another. The second part of the event is dedicated to the social networks that make living in one’s own home possible in the first place: neighborhood assistance, volunteer work, multigenerational housing—and the people behind them.
Practical and forward-looking: Renovation, funding, and technology

How can an apartment be made accessible, and who provides financial assistance? What role can artificial intelligence play in the daily lives of older adults? The concluding seminar sessions will provide concrete answers to concrete questions.

The event is open to anyone interested and concludes with a group lunch—including time for conversation.

Welcome
  • Sibylle Kruspe (Engagierte Stadt Görlitz)
  • Susann Werner (Görlitz Family Office)
  • Rose-Marei Zock (District Senior Citizens’ Council)
  • Maria Fabisch (HSZG)
A Discussion on Housing for Older Adults – What Makes for Good Housing in Later Life

Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff (Director of the GAT Institute)

A Variety of Housing Options for Older Adults: From Assisted Living to Intergenerational Housing
  • Intergenerational Living - A Firsthand Account of Community Living (Robert Viertel)
  • Senior-Friendly Housing (Senior Residence)
  • Future Senior Housing in Görlitz (KommWohnen)
  • A Look into the Future: Building a Dementia Village (Sebastian Kubasch)
Life in the Neighborhood: Social Networks and Mutual Support
  • Neighborhood Assistance, Volunteer Work, and the District Caregiver Self-Help Contact Center (Max Schmidt)
  • Introduction to Kümmerer (Genos)
  • Presentation on the Görlitz Multigenerational House (Lena Wallnitz)
Interactive Section

Accessible Housing & Home Modifications – Elvira Mirle (Inclusion Coordinator for the County)

Smart Assistance for the Home – (Oliver Welz, ScaDS.AI)

Lunch Together
Registration

03581 374 4996 or aal-gat(at)hszg.de

Venue

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Aula in the BlueBox, Furtstraße 2, 02826 Görlitz

M.A.
Maria Fabisch
Institute for Health, Ageing, Work and Technology
02826 Görlitz
Parkstrasse 2
Building G VII, Room 317
2nd floor
+49 3581 374-4996

On September 28, 2026, a free event organized by Zittau University of Applied Sciences/Görlitz, the Görlitz Family Office, and the district’s Senior Citizens’ Council invites you to Görlitz to reflect together on the housing models of the future: from community projects and intergenerational housing to accessible living and smart technology that makes everyday life easier. Experienced practitioners will share real-world insights—what works, what doesn’t, and what’s currently taking shape in Görlitz. If you’re wondering what good housing for older adults might look like, this is the place for you.