Schwerin (dpa / mv) – Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister of Social Affairs, Stefanie Drese (SPD), has recognized the commitment of senior citizens in voluntary work. Nationwide, around 565,000 people and thus every third inhabitant are 60 years or older. The average age in MV is 47.4 years, the third highest in Germany. Even if the demographic change in the north-east is more advanced than in most other regions of Germany, this brings challenges as well as opportunities, said Drese on the occasion of the “International Day of the Older Generation” on October 1st.
“People in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are getting older. That’s also very good news. Mainly because many senior citizens remain active and get involved in civic activities,” explained the minister. Society as a whole benefits from their knowledge, experience and commitment.
Studies have shown that older people are more likely than average to do voluntary work. “Your active participation is therefore a win for all of us,” said Drese. The task of politics is to create the necessary framework for this. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is already well positioned. In addition to the Senior Citizens’ Participation Act, which came into force in 2010, the state government also relies on cooperation with the state senior citizens’ advisory board.
