Expert discussion in the Bundestag committee
On April 15, 2026, Martina Brandt spoke in the expert discussion on "Social participation of older people" at the meeting of the Committee on Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth in the Paul Löbe House.
The presentation and the subsequent discussion focused on two central messages of the Ninth Ageing Report:
- The diversity of the potentials of old age
- The persistent inequality of participation opportunities
Age is diverse and this must be recognized more strongly. Older people are not a homogeneous group, because different life courses, for example due to migration, interrupted employment histories or new family forms, open up opportunities, but are also associated with new social inequalities.
Particular focus:
- Poverty in old age has increased disproportionately. It particularly affects older women with a migration background.
- People with non-heteronormative lifestyles must be given greater consideration.
- Retired workers are also a heterogeneous group: some want to and can work, others have to - although they can hardly do so.
Conclusion: We need an integrated, diversity-sensitive policy as well as assistance for the elderly, healthcare and care that takes biographical and cumulative inequalities seriously and actively reduces them for more participation and a good life in old age for everyone.