Hildesheim starts new study program for digital care of the future!

Hildesheim starts new study program for digital care of the future!

The digital future is just around the corner, especially for the aging society in Germany. With the founding of the new interdisciplinary department “IT for a caring society” at the University of Hildesheim in April 2025, a decisive step will be taken towards the integration of technology and social responsibility. This department, located on the Samelson campus in Building D, was founded by Prof. Dr. Anne Meißner and Prof. Dr. Ralf Knackstedt and focuses on research and teaching at the interface of technology, health, care and social affairs. Particular attention is paid to information technologies in the context of demographic change.

In Germany the birth rate is below the death rate, while at the same time life expectancy is increasing. Projections show that by 2050 half of the population will be over 50 years old, which will require far-reaching adjustments in mindsets, work and service cultures. According to information from Fraunhofer IAO In 2019, around 24.37 million people over 60 years of age live in Germany, which corresponds to around a quarter of the population. With this demographic reality, new solutions are required to address the needs of older people in an increasingly digitalized world.

Technological support for the older generation

The goal of the new department in Hildesheim is to develop and evaluate technologies that are important not only for older people, but also for caring relatives and specialists in the care sector. The department belongs to the research field “AI in Everyday Life” at the University of Hildesheim and plans to participate in the HULLS real-world laboratory, a cooperation project with HAWK and Hannover University of Applied Sciences. The Hildesheim location is important because it is home to a leading employer area for software companies in the care industry.

A new focus “IT for a caring society” will be introduced in the bachelor’s program in business informatics. The master's degree program offers the topic as an elective area in order to reach a broader target group, including students who have previously had no connection to nursing. These interdisciplinary connections are promoted through visits from students from other courses.

• Praktische Lehre durch Firmenkontakte und Exkursionen, z.B. zu den LINGA-Wochen
• Pilotprojekt „Pflege und Versorgung“ (2021-2025) am St. Bernward Krankenhaus
• Erste Teilnehmende des Pilotprojekts haben Zertifikate erhalten
• Programm ermöglicht Teilnahme an universitären Lehrveranstaltungen zu Pflege und Versorgung

The need to adapt technological progress to the needs of older people is undisputed. While older generations often have difficulties with new technologies, digital participation can make a significant contribution to avoiding isolation. This was emphasized again in a progress report from the federal government: “Digitalization offers opportunities to improve health and support people in need of care” ( BMFSFJ ).

The challenges that many older people suffer from are diverse: physical limitations, cognitive slowdowns and financial challenges can lead to increased isolation. Digital aids, such as shopping aids via app, are therefore often necessary. Projects like GESCCO aim to create networks that promote both self-organized and professional support and help through action days with workshops on digitalization.

Overall, it shows that the combination of digitalization and an aging society not only presents challenges, but also significant opportunities. The University of Hildesheim's innovative approach is an important step towards meeting the future requirements of an aging society.