New course for over 45s: Together against loneliness and for participation!

New course for over 45s: Together against loneliness and for participation!

On April 14, 2025, a special guest student program called BANA will begin at the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), which is specifically designed for people aged 45 and over. Registration is now open, and interested parties can attend information sessions on March 24 and 26, 2025. These events take place in the TU Berlin, room FH 1019, and offer a comprehensive insight into the possibilities of the project.

The BANA program is aimed at people who want to redesign their lives in the second half of life. Emphasis is placed on intergenerational work, as students work with both their peers and young students. The three main areas of study offered include the city, the environment, and nutrition and health. The project also promotes civic engagement and is scheduled to last two years. The cost is 60 euros per semester and no university entrance qualification is required. Registrations should be sent by email to manuela.hakelberg(at)tu-berlin.de.

Loneliness in old age – a growing challenge

BANA program participants come at a time when loneliness and social isolation among older people has become a serious problem. As the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs reports, the social network often shrinks with increasing age, which leads to an increased risk of loneliness. The baby boomer generation in particular, with around one million people entering retirement age each year, faces this challenge.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, especially for those living alone. In order to counteract this growing problem, the ministry has launched a model program: “Strengthening the participation of older people – ways out of loneliness and social isolation in old age”. The aim is to promote sustainable structures for social work with older, isolated people. The program aims to strengthen the participation of people over 60 and to actively integrate this age segment into society.

Action against loneliness

In addition to the model program, several lectures will take place. On November 5, 2024 there will be a lecture entitled “Where do all the lonely people come from?” offered. This deals with the social dynamics of isolation processes. PD Dr. Janosch Schobin will provide empirical insights and explain how loneliness has changed in Germany. Another lecture, led by Elena Oster from Malteser Hilfe, addresses combating loneliness in old age through social networks and community activities.

Participation in such projects and lectures is crucial to promote social cohesion and effectively counteract loneliness. This underlines the need to see oneself as part of a community and to actively participate in shaping it, which is also a central concern of the BANA program.

The BANA guest student program at TU Berlin represents a promising step towards not only opening up new perspectives for people in the second half of life, but also creating a social network that effectively combats loneliness in old age. With a wide range of topics and a focus on intergenerational exchange, an important contribution is made to strengthening social participation.

For more information about the events and the courses on offer, please visit TU Berlin, BANA students and BMFSFJ.