Successful Degree of the Project "Change of Perspective in LU - Age-Friendly City" at the HWG LU
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Klaus Blettner, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) has successfully completed the practical project "Change of Perspective in LU - Age-Friendly City". The project, in which twelve students from the Bachelor's degree program in Marketing were involved, was dedicated to examining and improving the age-friendliness of important locations in Ludwigshafen.
Results and findings for the city of Ludwigshafen
As part of the project, several central facilities in Ludwigshafen were examined in terms of their age-friendliness, including the adult education center, the city library, the Theater im Pfalzbau, the Rhein-Galerie and the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society itself. The results show that there are both positive aspects and potential for improvement in all the locations examined.
- Accessibility and barrier-free accessibility: The ratings for accessibility and barrier-free access vary depending on the location. The HWG LU and the city library achieved high ratings in these categories, while the adult education center and the Theater im Pfalzbau show potential for improvement.
- Safety: The lighting and equipment with handrails and railings were rated particularly positively in the city library and the Rhein-Galerie, while other locations have some catching up to do here.
- Comfort and convenience: The availability of seating and the quality of the sanitary facilities were rated as particularly age-friendly in the City Library and the Rhein-Galerie.
- Experiences from pedestrian and representative tests: By simulating the limitations of older people with the help of so-called age simulation suits (AgeMan) from the university's behavioral science research laboratory, valuable insights were gained into the everyday challenges faced by older people. These practical tests were very well received and led to concrete suggestions for improvement.
Project manager Prof. Dr. Klaus Blettner emphasized the importance of the findings for urban development: "Our research has shown that Ludwigshafen already has many age-friendly structures. However, we were also able to identify clear areas where improvements are needed. These results provide a valuable basis for future measures to improve the quality of life of older people in our city."
Outlook
The results of the project should not only serve as a basis for future planning for the city administration, but also promote general awareness of the needs of older people among students. The HWG LU students are already planning further studies and projects to continuously improve and expand the age-friendliness of Ludwigshafen.
About the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
The Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) offers practice-oriented degree programs in the fields of business, social and health sciences. With a strong focus on applied research and cooperation with regional partners, HWG LU contributes to the sustainable development of the metropolitan area Rhine-Neckar. A key building block for practical research and cooperation projects is the equipment of the university's own Behavioral Science Research Laboratory under the direction of Prof. Dr. Gerhard Raab.
Specialist contact:
Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
Department of Marketing and Human Resource Management
Prof. Dr. Klaus Blettner
Dean
Tel. 0621/5203-363
E-mail: klaus.blettner@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de
