AgeExperimental Practical Research Center Görlitz

The AlterPerimentale Praxisforschungsstelle (PFS) Görlitz is a forward-looking project that promotes independent living in old age by developing and testing socio-technical innovations in rural areas. The focus is on how digital technologies can help older people and their relatives to live their everyday lives independently, with dignity and actively – especially in structurally weak regions such as Upper Lusatia. The practical research center is being established as a socially integrated meeting and working space in the city center of Görlitz. It builds on many years of experience from the existing AAL laboratory (link). The PFS complements this existing offering with an open, participatory concept that actively involves older people in the innovation process.

A central feature of the project is its co-creative and participatory research approach: older people, their relatives, caregivers, and other relevant stakeholders from administration, business, and healthcare are invited to contribute their perspectives and needs. Workshops, focus groups, and expert interviews create a lively space for discourse in which technologies are not only presented but also critically reflected upon, adapted, and further developed. This results in a wide range of consulting and participation opportunities that make digital participation easily accessible.

In addition to practical implementation, the focus is also on scientific questions: the PFS systematically investigates which individual, social, and structural factors influence the use of technical innovations in old age. Findings from these studies are fed back into the development of new approaches and ensure the continuous improvement of the services offered.

By establishing a network with other practical research centers—for example, in Cottbus (focus on social services and agriculture) and Heinersdorf (focus on engagement and participation)—a supraregional transfer of knowledge and experience is created that can sustainably disseminate innovative solutions.

Project goal

The main goal of PFS Görlitz is to promote self-determined living in old age through the participatory development, testing, and establishment of socio-technical innovations in rural areas. The practical research center functions as:

• An advice center for older people, relatives, and professionals
• A networking and dialogue platform for social and institutional actors
• An experimental space for practice-oriented research and co-creative technology design
• A transfer instrument for the scientifically based implementation of socially innovative approaches

Particular emphasis is placed on socio-spatial integration, the direct involvement of affected target groups, and the sustainable anchoring of services in the region.