Potsdam Health and Care Policy: Focus on Senior Plan 2026 and Barrier-Free Access

The Potsdam Senior Plan 2026: Foundation for an Independent Life in Old Age

The Potsdam Senior Plan 2026 is a central instrument of municipal health and social policy. With 22 concrete measures, the plan aims to sustainably improve the quality of life for older people in the city. The measures range from health promotion and prevention to social and cultural participation, as well as mobility and neighborhood development. The Senior Plan is not only a response to demographic challenges, but also a contribution to strengthening social cohesion.

In March 2026, the plan was adopted by the City Council and is now being implemented in practice. Department 38 for Social Affairs and Inclusion is primarily responsible for the financial and organizational implementation. Some measures, such as heat protection and prevention (Measure G4-2), are currently facing financial constraints, which is why an application for 2027 is planned. Nevertheless, the plan is a milestone for a demand-oriented and future-proof policy for the elderly.

Monitoring and Implementation: Challenges and Perspectives

A central point of discussion in politics is the monitoring of the implementation of the Senior Plan. The Senior Advisory Board supports the measures, but the monitoring process is still unclear. A clear evaluation structure is necessary to review progress annually and make adjustments if needed. In addition, the Senior Plan is closely linked to other concepts such as the Care Needs Plan, the Psychiatry Concept, and the Smart City Strategy. These synergies are crucial to achieving the goals.

In the Committee for Health, Social Affairs, Housing, and Inclusion, reports from the Senior Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities were also presented. Both organizations play an important role in supporting and advising the city in the implementation of the measures. In addition, the monitoring of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was another focus – a topic that is a priority for both the disability self-help movement and the administration.

Barrier-Free Access and Participation: The Participation Working Group 2029

Another central project is the Participation Working Group 2029, which aims to make Potsdam barrier-free by 2029. The initiatives are closely linked to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and are intended to include not only people with disabilities, but also older people and other disadvantaged groups more strongly in social life.

The work of SEKIZ e.V. is particularly noteworthy in this context. The Volunteer Agency has been supporting the development and coordination of volunteer work and self-help groups in Potsdam for 26 years. With over 100 placement positions, SEKIZ is a central partner in the implementation of inclusive projects. The support from the Department of Public Health shows how closely health policy is linked to social and structural issues.

Outlook: Communication, Networking, and Continuous Development

The Senior Plan will be communicated and highlighted during the upcoming Senior Week to raise public awareness. The networking of actors – politics, administration, NGOs, and citizens – is key. A municipal Senior Plan not only creates the foundation for a future-proof policy, but also the prerequisites for cross-departmental cooperation.

Challenges such as financial constraints or the clarification of monitoring structures show that the path to implementation is not always straightforward. Nevertheless, the direction is clear: Potsdam wants to be a city in which all people – regardless of age or limitations – can live independently and with dignity. March 2026 was a milestone on this path.