Demographic change will be one of the greatest challenges facing society over the decades to come. The number of children and young people continues to dwindle, while the number of elderly people in need of care rises. This is where the "Generationsbrücke Deutschland" comes in. At a special ceremony, it has now celebrated its tenth anniversary.

At the celebrations, Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed, "Interacting with one another and being there for one another irrespective of age is becoming increasingly important, in view of demographic developments." Nothing is better for social cohesion than coming together, at all levels.

A unique concept

The inter-generational concept of the "Generationsbrücke" or inter-generational bridge, is unique. Nationwide the social enterprise brings together elderly people in care and children from local schools and nurseries. In this way, the cohesion between different parts of society is to be strengthened and mutual understanding fostered. Participants sing and play together, enjoy arts and crafts activities, and tell one another their stories.

It is important that the children are well prepared for their first visit to a care home in an age-appropriate manner in nursery or at school. Every child is allocated a "partner". This generates trust. The scheme is also longer-term in nature. For one school year the children come to visit their partners in the care home once a month or once a fortnight.

The project benefits both sides. The care home residents have the chance to enjoy the attention of the younger generation, even if they have no grandchildren of their own. The children can learn from the long experience of the elderly people, and can develop their own social skills.

People need to be part of the life of society. They need to come together with others and have the feeling that they are needed, said the Chancellor. "This is balm for the soul."

Since it was founded in 2009, the "Generationsbrücke Deutschland" has become a social enterprise that cooperates with about 220 partners. It generates about 50% of the capital it needs itself. It also receives financial assistance, for instance from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, German Caritas and the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.

Upgrading the nursing profession

Good, reliable nursing services are vital to address the growing challenges posed by an aging society, said Angela Merkel. Nurses and carers are crucially important.

Over the last few years the German government has also addressed this issue in detail, looking at ways of making the nursing profession more attractive. As well as good working conditions, such as reliable working hours, respect and appreciation of the profession are needed, along with an upgrading of the image of the profession.

The abolition of fees for nursing training and the introduction of remuneration during training have already been decided. Now attention is turning to the matter of across-the-board collective bargaining agreements, because "there are still huge disparities in pay" in this sector, said the Chancellor.