Education is not a question of age

Prof Dr Roland Schöne/Senior College at the TU Chemnitz

Whether innovative technologies, the success stories of Chemnitz companies or the results of historical excavations: The Seniorenkolleg at Chemnitz University of Technology offers a broad educational programme for older people. It was founded 30 years ago by Prof Dr Roland Schöne. In the Maker of the Week interview, the 81-year-old explains why he wants to build bridges between the generations.

What is the intention behind the Seniorenkolleg programme?

In addition to imparting knowledge, it's about social interaction and active participation. Around half of our participants live alone. Many take advantage of the in-depth discussions that follow the lectures. They always ask very intelligent questions. Many participants continue to discuss the content after the presentations. These encounters at the Seniorenkolleg have also led to partnerships.

Who has already spoken at the Seniorenkolleg?

The list of speakers is long. We've had Nobel Prize winners, prime ministers, politicians, entrepreneurs, sportsmen and women, etc. The credo is: 'He who brings much will bring some'. Goethe already said that. Above all, we endeavour to take into account the wishes and expectations of the participants, which is why the Speakers' Council meets.

What are the desired topics?

Technology and the latest developments in science are always of great interest. Many participants used to work in technical professions and want to know how everything has developed. We are proud of the fact that our audience is made up of half men and half women. This creates a climate of mutual understanding. We also make sure that at least once a semester, a young student or one of the participants in the Seniorenkolleg speaks on a topic. In this way, we want to build bridges between the generations.

The semester comprises around 15 lectures. Before coronavirus, up to 1,000 senior citizens attended each semester. After two and a half years of online lectures, the lectures are now taking place in person again this semester. At 35 euros per semester, participation is comparatively inexpensive. Courses, excursions and projects are also organised. Some senior citizens are involved in three research-based learning working groups.

What is behind these research-based learning working groups?

It's a wonderful thing where we work closely with companies. Each working group consists of around twelve seniors. The first working group is called 'Wirfinder' and, together with employees from the Hettich Group near Bielefeld, has developed a rotating and sliding plate for fridges, known as the Comfort Spin. Even Amazon and Ikea sell the product. In the meantime, 17 patents have been registered worldwide. They are currently working on the development of swivelling furniture. Among other things, the 'Generation-Team Technik' working group is testing smartphones and tablets from Emporia in Austria that are suitable for senior citizens in terms of user-friendliness and design. The members of the working group also advise older people in meeting centres and multi-generation homes on how to use these devices. You have to go out to reach people.

What does the third working group deal with?

Political education for older people, which makes it the only one of its kind in the whole of Saxony. For the last mayoral election in Chemnitz, for example, we invited all the candidates to the Luxor event centre and asked them specifically what they do for senior citizens. Because we must not forget that 35 per cent of the population in Chemnitz is over 65 years old. Much more attention needs to be paid to these people. That's what I mean by building bridges between the generations.

Prof Dr Roland Schöne held the Chair of Adult Education and Continuing Professional Development at the Faculty of Philosophy at Chemnitz University of Technology from 1993 until his retirement in 2006. In 2020, he was allowed to sign the Golden Book of the City of Chemnitz, and in December 2022 he received the Federal Cross of Merit from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for his many years of commitment to strengthening lifelong education.

How did you feel about the latest award?

I was very pleased, especially as the application was made by the senior citizens themselves four years ago. For me and the Seniorenkolleg, the award is a wonderful honour. I immediately presented the Federal President with an invitation to visit us at the Seniorenkolleg.

You don't like the word retirement. Why is that?

The word is completely out of place, because many people are actively in the 'post-professional phase'. I also don't say 'over-aged' society, but 'under-young'. Older people are not to blame if younger people don't have children today for various reasons. Words can stigmatise, and we have to make sure that the dialogue between the generations grows. Everyone needs to ask themselves how they can contribute. And then the second question should not be: And what do I get in return?

What do you want for the Capital of Culture 2025?

I would like the achievements of older people to be emphasised and recognised more. Think of Frei Otto or Marianne Brandt - Chemnitz residents have achieved a lot, but this is not recognised enough. Chemnitz could become a flagship by showing positive examples of how older people are actively involved in the development of society. Chemnitz can lead the way, because other cities will soon find themselves in the same situation. However, this topic does not appear in the bid book for the Capital of Culture 2025. My dream is still a 'House for the Elderly' that presents and honours the lives and achievements of older people!