Keywords: Healthy Aging, Preventive Home Visits, Rural Healthcare, Aging Research

Background:

In recent years, Brandenburg has experienced significant demographic shifts characterized by an aging population and regional disparities in population growth [1]. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for healthcare services, social support systems and age-appropriate housing to accommodate the needs of the aging population [2]. With this background, people aged 75 and over are invited to take part in a preventive home visit by trained social workers in a rural district in Brandenburg in Germany.

Aim of the study:

What is the social and health situation of older people who live independently at home in the district of Teltow-Fläming and other regions? What needs do older people have regarding municipal social participation services as well as counselling and support services in order to be able to lead a self-determined life for as long as possible?

Methodology:

The prospective survey and observation study analyses quantitative data using a questionnaire, which is completed by the participants after the preventive home visit and subsequently evaluated. The questionnaire contains information on the social and health situation of older people, e.g. social support, loneliness, everyday activities and digital health literacy as well as the utilisation of and need for several services in the community, including e.g. health care, voluntary work and leisure activities.

Results:

The survey phase is currently running from March until probably July 2025. Data will be analysed on an ongoing basis so that the results can be presented and discussed at the EURIPA forum.

Conclusions:

The data indicate the current needs of the population group aged 75 and over, who live independently in their own domestic environment in a rural region. Conclusions are expected on feelings of loneliness, social support, state of health, need and utilisation of different services in the community.