18 June 2026

How do older people experience village life? Students on the Social Work and Special Educational Needs programmes at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences explored this question during a visit to a pensioners’ group in Wipperdorf. The visit took place on 9 June as part of an advanced seminar on gerontology.

The students were invited by staff from the AGATHE project run by the Nordhausen District Office, which provides support and assistance to older people in the district. The aim of the meeting was to engage in conversation with older people and learn about their experiences.

In an open discussion, the older residents spoke about the challenges, but also the positive aspects, of growing older in a rural area. Among other things, they discussed the lack of a local pub, which used to be an important meeting place for social life. At the same time, the older residents highlighted the strength of the village community. In particular, the regular meetings of the senior citizens’ group play a vital role in combating loneliness and fostering social cohesion.

Mayor Joachim Leßner also took part in the round-table discussion. His knowledge of the community’s development and the challenges facing rural areas enriched the discussion.

For the students, the visit offered valuable insights into the everyday lives of older people. „It’s incredibly valuable to hear from local people about the opportunities and possibilities available here,“ said one student. A fellow student added: „As I’d like to work with older people in the future, days like today offer exciting practical insights into the situation of older people in the local community.“

After around two hours, both sides drew a positive conclusion. The students gained new perspectives on their studies, whilst the senior citizens appreciated the opportunity to share their experiences. The discussion session impressively demonstrated just how enriching intergenerational exchange can be.