Loneliness is increasingly becoming a key social challenge. The coronavirus pandemic, the intensive use of social media and advancing digitalisation processes have further intensified this development. It is no longer just older people who are affected, but increasingly young people too.
Three keynote speeches will discuss the causes, manifestations and challenges of loneliness, ranging from psychological principles 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 in old age?

Following the presentations, a panel discussion with the speakers and other stakeholders from the field will provide an opportunity for dialogue.

The event is aimed at interested members of the public of all ages.

01 October 2026

17:30 - 19:30

Schedule

17:30: Welcome by Dr Joachim Stöter from the C3L

17:40: What is loneliness?"
Keynote speech by Dr Sebastian Spanknebel (Karl Jaspers Clinic and C3L)

18:00: Digitality and loneliness - a perspective using the example of young people
Keynote speech by Nevenka Wacker (Kreisvolkshochschule Ammerland)

18:20: Social relationships in very old age
Keynote speech by Prof Dr Kathrin Börner
(Department of Health Services Research, Division of Prevention and
Rehabilitation Research)

18:45 - 19:20: Panel discussion with all speakers and other stakeholders
from the region

19:15: Closing and open conclusion

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