Jena. Access to modern technology and digital applications is of great importance for social participation in old age. In late September 2026, two central contact points for seniors in Jena celebrated their two-year anniversary, underscoring the consistently high demand for digital support.
- Event: 2nd anniversary of technology consulting centers for seniors
- Figures: 6,979 people reached at the ProbierLaden at Engelplatz
- Focus: 5,474 contacts in individual 1-on-1 support, 1,505 course participants
- Age structure: Approximately 79 percent of visitors were 66 years or older
Successful track record at the ProbierLaden and Smart City project
The ProbierLaden at Engelplatz has established itself as a permanent institution over the past two years. By the beginning of September 2026, a total of 6,979 citizens had made use of the on-site services. In addition to numerous individual training sessions, which addressed specific questions about smartphones, tablets, or internet applications, 1,505 people attended structured courses. Furthermore, the Smart City project JEDI in the Postcarrée recorded approximately 8,500 participations in about 300 free events during the same period.
The concrete usage figures demonstrate that older people are by no means less digitally inclined than other generations, but rather require targeted, low-threshold assistance to overcome reservations. Providing digital skills helps prevent isolation in everyday life and facilitates the handling of official or private matters.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5
Smartphone manual for seniors in plain language
An understandable guide for the safe operation of smartphones and tablets in everyday life.
Background: Digital participation as a municipal task
Promoting the digital participation of older people is considered an important component of social planning in modern cities. Initiatives such as the Jena ProbierLaden or the JEDI project aim to ensure that demographic change is accompanied by an inclusive urban society. This gives older generations the opportunity to participate independently in digital life, which directly contributes to increasing the quality of life and safety in the urban space.
Source:
Seniors and Technology: 6,979 people use consulting in Jena
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.