Welcome to my time in Arnsberg. This incredible city is an age-friendly city that supports older persons to age in place and when they are in need of additional support the office of Future Age steps in and provides more support. Thank Mr. Matin Polenz for my visit. Below you will find my reflections during my week stay.
Throughout all my travels I have visited several places from rural to urban settings and have not come across a place quite like Arnsberg. I was able to easily navigate my way around this city without knowing the language. I love the idea that they developed by using the roundabouts with different art in order to help people orient themselves. I especially enjoyed pinpoint A as I knew no matter what happened to come back to pinpoint A if I ever became lost. Especially since at that point you just walk straight and you will be at the train station or around the pinpoint there are some senior services along with other places that will support you if ever lost.
My time in Arnsberg was incredible just as how this video showcases certain activities above. I had the unique opportunity to explore this city and simply learn how they are creating spaces for older adults. I became interested in Arnsberg after watching this video and learning more about the creation of the Department for Future Aging in Arnsberg. As I have not come across such an initiative across my travels in the eight countries I have gone to at the local level, but I did at higher levels such as in Argentina. Therefore, how are we creating these smaller local spaces that are pioneering innovative projects for our communities?
On my first day, I met with Mr. Polenz and exchanged ideas. It was incredible hearing him speak as he mentioned certain projects that I discussed with others throughout my travels or that surfaced when I asked what you hope to see in the future. For example, he mentioned how future projects include visiting 80+ year-olds and again informing them about the services available to them as they age. They would do house visits to all seniors turning 80. This is something that Jorge Vindas, President of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, hopes to accomplish in the future for the centenarians of Nicoya who are 90+ but struggle as he is only an NGO and the government at the national and local level are not supporting this. Again, how can we ensure we create an office to do this? Or how can we ensure each locality has a person in charge of informing older adults what they are entitled to by the government?
Mr. Polenz has reminded me of the importance and is living proof that at the local level, we can create and sustain long-term change to improve the lives of our older adults. Another event I had the opportunity to visit was the editorial board meeting of Sicht which was fascinating. I do not speak German, but it was very unique to hear them and see how they interact. They are a small but mighty group. I appreciated the fact that the voices of the elders are being heard and again gives the purpose to write something for others to hear. In a way, this magazine is a living library of the voices of the elders of Arnsberg.
I also visited Sant Ana and was impressed by my visit there. I was more intrigued by my mode of transportation as it was a Rickshaw. An older adult was bicycling me to the area and I was astonished at how safe it was for us to get there and the cars being respectful. Again, how are we leveraging people’s hobbies like cycling into more purpose and social interaction? I was very intrigued by this as it helps promote active aging. The care home was incredible given how involved the administration was in all areas. The director knew everyone and sat down and ate with everyone. It reminded me of the facility I visited in Spain. It is important to ensure the entire team knows one another well along with the administration. One thing has become clear when certain people try to create different ties with one another. What does it mean when the director of the facility is eating with residents? What does it mean to break down those barriers? What even touched me further was how this center was within the community and how they opened it up for cafes or meals for them as well. This was unique because again it creates that exchange. As well as having a chapel for further exchange and exposure of this care home.
Arnsberg is a very unique city that I’ve been able to come across in my travels. It has affirmed how we can create such an organization at the local by cities to ensure we have a team dedicated to the wellbeing of our elders. I was deeply moved when I spoke to one resident and they sang a song in German for me together. All the women gathered and started singing. This nearly brought me to tears to see the kindness and joy they had. They were surprised a Chicagoan was visiting them and enjoyed my visit. It was an honor to be in their presence.
I then met Ms. Ingrid Dawson who is a strong advocate for older adults in the government. It was inspiring to hear her passion for ensuring older adults age with dignity. I was deeply impressed by her commitment and collaboration with the Office of Future Age. I then met with Ms. Marita Gerwin who is committed to helping older adults because of her own personal experience caring for her mother. She reminded me that just because we age does not mean we have to conform to society and what it tells us. To age, is beautiful, as one has gained years of wisdom to be able to pass along and enjoy life from another lens than before. She use to work running the Office of FutureAge. Now she offers support and creates that change in her own community. Again, how are we having people in a way be a point of contact in our communities? She gave a presentation “Aging Is Colorful”
My deepest gratitude to Mr. Martin Polenz and Ms. Binetha Beckmannor for spearheading my visit and to the elders of Arnsberg for allowing me to enter these spaces to converse with them. Together we can and will change the field of aging for future generations and unlock a society where our elders are respected, valued, and heard. For we, young adults are future older adults and need to pave the way for the generations to come just as our seniors are doing for us now.
Danke! May our paths cross again Arnsberg!
