Ludwigslust is the most senior-friendly town
Ludwigslust, Ueckermünde, Plate near Schwerin and Hohenkirchen in the district of Nordwestmecklenburg are the most senior-friendly municipalities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in 2023. State Minister of Social Affairs Stefanie Drese (SPD) and the State Senior Citizens' Advisory Council presented the award for the fifth time on Friday, as announced by the ministry. The competition was held for the first time since 2017 following an interruption due to the coronavirus.
The most senior-friendly municipalities were determined in three different size categories. Ludwigslust won in the category with more than 10,000 inhabitants. According to the information provided, the baroque town impressed with its comprehensive overall concept for senior citizens. This included the barrier-free conversion of the cityscape, a bus shuttle and activities such as a senior sports week.
In the 3000 to 10,000 inhabitants category, two first places went to the seaside resort of Ueckermünde and the municipality of Plate. Among other things, Ueckermünde has its own senior citizens' representative and intensively promotes neighborhood support. Plate initiates numerous events in the village center for older people and supports the community's own seniors' advisory board. In Hohenkirchen - the winning village in the category up to 3000 inhabitants - the jury liked the promotion of age-appropriate tourism, among other things.
Drese emphasized that senior citizens make up the largest proportion of the population in MV at over 35 percent. "This makes it all the more important to keep a close eye on older people and take their needs seriously," said the Minister.
Ludwigslust, having won the award for the most senior-friendly municipality in the category with more than 10,000 inhabitants, is likely to receive recognition at upcoming municipalities awards ceremonies for its commitment to senior citizens. The town's comprehensive senior-friendly initiatives, including barrier-free cityscape conversion, bus shuttle service, and senior sports week, are models for other municipalities to follow in supporting their senior populations.
Source: www.dpa.com
