Wulff explores in Celle: Maltese rickshaws against loneliness in old age!

Wulff explores in Celle: Maltese rickshaws against loneliness in old age!

Former Federal President Christian Wulff visited the Maltese rickshaw service in Celle today and found out more about the offer to combat isolation among older people. His personal interest was evident not only in conversations, but also in his desire to drive the electrically assisted cycle rickshaw himself. The visit took place as part of efforts to address the pressing problem of loneliness in old age, which affects more than 4 million people over 65 in Germany.

The contact with the Maltese came about at the benefit concert of Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier in November 2024, where the first discussions about the importance of social participation for seniors have already taken place. The mayor Dr. During the visit, Jörg Nigge emphasized the crucial role of volunteer work in Celle, while state parliament member Alexander Wille viewed the visit as a clear appreciation for the Maltese work.

Insights into the rickshaw service

Dr. Michael Nowak, the local representative of the Malteser in Celle, gave a detailed overview of the rickshaw service, which has been active since its founding in 2022 as part of the “Together-For-Each-Other” project. The trips are free for participants and are financed through donations. A rickshaw costs up to 15,000 euros, with financing provided by the Volksbank, among others. A total of 16 rickshaws are in use at eight locations in the Hildesheim diocese.

Michael Acker, an experienced rickshaw driver, explained the demands placed on the drivers. The rickshaw service makes 10 to 15 trips per month, each lasting 1 to 2 hours, and aims to offer older people with few social contacts variety and social participation. In 2024, a total of 83 seniors in Celle will use the offer, which was implemented by 73 volunteers who carried out a total of 851 trips.

Loneliness as a social challenge

The problem of loneliness is alarming. Many seniors are unable to actively participate in social life due to mobility problems or financial constraints. Often their pension is not even enough for a healthy diet or necessary medical care. The Maltese are therefore committed to offering a variety of assistance to overcome these challenges. This includes, among other things, setting up food banks and warming buses as well as offering meal sponsorships.

Scientific studies, for example from the ZHAW, make it clear that social isolation has serious effects on the health of older people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends targeted interventions to promote the well-being of these people. This also includes the concept of the “befriending intervention”, which includes emotional support from volunteers. The aim of these measures is to make life in old age more livable and to raise awareness in society, which ultimately reflects the values ​​of solidarity and community.

With his visit to Celle, Christian Wulff not only wants to honor the commitment of the Maltese people, but also initiate an important discussion about loneliness in old age. The Maltesers and their projects play an essential role in providing support and actively shaping the lives of older people. This is a collective task in which every individual is involved.