(from left): Björn Engholm, Mechthild Mäsker, Prof. Dr. Verena Klusmann-Weißkopf, and Christoph Giering
Prof. Dr. Verena Klusmann-Weißkopf of Furtwangen University guest on “Kirchentalk”
About 200 guests recently took part in a discussion on the topic of “Growing older: between wisdom and aches and pains” as part of the “OpenGarden” event in the “Kirchentalk” series hosted by the Herz Jesu Provost Church in Lübeck. Provost Christoph Giering had invited attendees to explore the topic from theological and personal perspectives in relation to faith and life. For the panel discussion, he was able to bring on board Internal link opens in the same window:Prof. Dr. Verena Klusmann-Weißkopf from Furtwangen University (HFU) and Björn Engholm, the former Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein. Klusmann-Weißkopf leads the Internal link opens in the same window:“KImAge” project at HFU. The project conducts research on perceptions of aging − that is, ideas about growing older or being old. Some of the perceptions of aging already collected as part of the project were displayed in the exhibition area during the event.
Mechthild Mäsker, director of the Welle Nord regional studio at Norddeutscher Rundfunk, moderated the discussion. For Björn Engholm, aging well is linked to the attitude of no longer waging futile battles, but rather investing in positive intergenerational cooperation; in doing so, he emphasised that social inequality must be given special consideration. In her response, Klusmann-Weißkopf cited studies demonstrating the link between poverty, loneliness, and low political trust. Further discussion centred on the desire for greater flexibility regarding areas of work and work schedules, as well as the outdated pension system. “Using chronological age alone as the sole criterion for decision-making or evaluation falls far short of the mark far too often. ‘Feeling younger’ reflects the fact that we have negative stereotypes about our actual age, from which we want to distinguish ourselves in a positive way. Realistic − and above all, positive − perceptions of aging, however, are the decisive factor for health, a fulfilling life, and longevity,” emphasised Klusmann-Weißkopf, citing recent studies. The two panelists and the audience agreed that, in order to age well, favourable conditions must be created and continually readjusted. Commitment to harmonious coexistence and healthy aging begins with small steps − for Provost Giering, in the choir, and for Engholm, at family dinners.
Prof. Dr. Verena Klusmann-Weißkopf highlighted a comment from the floor, “Staying curious, open-minded, and engaged, treating one another with respect and as equals − these are the key elements. To paraphrase the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 7:12, this means, ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you!’”
Anyone who would like to help highlight the diversity of aging and old age can submit their own photos capturing experiences with aging on the project website. As a reward for compelling photos, the winner will be invited to the exhibition opening: External link opens in a new window:https://www.kimage-hfu.de