Loneliness is increasingly becoming a key societal challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic, the intensive use of social media and advancing digitalisation have further exacerbated this trend. It is no longer just older people who are affected, but, to an increasing extent, young people as well.
Three keynote talks will explore the causes, manifestations and challenges of loneliness, ranging from psychological foundations and the role of digital media to social relationships in old age. The focus will be on questions such as: What does loneliness actually mean? What role does digitalisation play in the everyday lives of young people? And how do social relationships change as we grow older?

Following the presentations, a panel discussion with the speakers and other practitioners will provide an opportunity for a joint exchange of views.

The event is open to the general public of all ages.

1 October 2026

5.30 pm – 7.30 pm

Programme

5.30 pm: Welcome by Dr Joachim Stöter from C3L

5.40 pm: ‘What is loneliness?’
Keynote talk by Dr Sebastian Spanknebel (Karl Jaspers Clinic and C3L)

6.00 pm: Digitalisation and loneliness – a perspective based on the example of young people
Keynote talk by Nevenka Wacker (EWE TEL GmbH, Training and Awareness Division)

6.20 pm: Social relationships in very old age
Keynote presentation by Prof. Dr Kathrin Börner
(Department of Health Services Research, Division of Prevention and
Rehabilitation Research,)

6.45–7.30 pm: Panel discussion with all speakers and Dagmar Sachse (former Head of Social Affairs for the City of Oldenburg)

from 7.30 pm: Closing remarks and informal get-together

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