The Ageing Topic Group met in Munich for its second gathering of the year, hosted by Münchner Wohnen. Over two days, members explored new approaches to housing and support for older residents, shared their own experiences, and strengthened cooperation across the network.
Insights from Münchner Wohnen
The second Ageing Topic Group meeting gathered 15 participants from five different countries: Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Sweden.
Since there were new faces and a new Topic Group Leader, the meeting started with the review of the group’s focus areas, goals and priorities. Split into groups, participants answered three main questions: “Why are we here?” “What is the purpose of the group?” “What do we want to achieve together?”
Afterwards, participants received an introduction to Münchner Wohnen and two of its core support systems:
- Housing Advice System (Wohnberatung): offers tailored guidance on home adaptations, available services, and housing options.
- “Living in the Neighbourhood” (Wohnen im Viertel): links housing with local support structures to help older residents stay active in their community.
Study Visit: Stiftungssiedlung Alte Heimat
In the afternoon, Participants visited Stiftungssiedlung Alte Heimat, a housing estate in Munich’s Laim district with more than 350 homes for older residents. The area is calm, green, and well- connected to public transport and essential services.
At the centre of the estate is a neighbourhood centre designed to encourage social contact and community involvement. Members saw how shared spaces, organised activities, and resident-led initiatives help reduce isolation and promote mutual support. The visit provided a clear example of how design and social programming can create an age-friendly environment.
During the visit, participants saw two apartments: a small studio and a furnished two-room apartment used for temporary stays. They also stopped by the community room, where staff explained the activities they run for residents. Most services are open to everyone living in the building, but there are also specific programmes for older adults and people with disabilities, similar to the day activities many of us know. It was a good example of how two organisations can share the same facilities and work together to support residents.
Reflection and Next Steps
On the second day, the group returned to Münchner Wohnen’s headquarters to reflect on the visit. Then they learned about Bostadsbolaget’s project “Ear to the Ground”.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on future priorities and learning opportunities for the group. In the next meeting, planned for Spring 2026, the group plans to explore new residential models for new forms of demand, as well as participation and representation. They will also have the chance to learn more about each other’s projects.
Strengthening Age-Friendly Housing Across the Network
The Munich meeting highlighted the value of combining good design, strong social support, and effective organisational structures. By sharing practices and examples, the Ageing Topic Group continues to advance ageing-in-place across Eurhonet member organisations.
Presentations
- Meeting General Presentation here
- Münchner Wohnen – Company and social management here
- Münchner Wohnen – Housing counselling here
- Münchner Wohnen – Wohnen im Viertel here
- Action Week Together out of loneliness here
- Münchner Wohnen – Alte Heimat here
- The Community Centre – Alte Heimat here
- Mitterfelder – Living in the neighbourhood here
- Bostadsbolaget – Ear to the ground here
