Future dialogue in Hahnbach: Ideas for a life-friendly old age!

Future dialogue in Hahnbach: Ideas for a life-friendly old age!

On November 7, 2025, the “Future Vision Home” event took place in the auditorium of the Hahnbach elementary and middle school, which was organized by the market town of Hahnbach and the Obere Vils-Ehenbach working group (AOVE). The target groups were citizens between the ages of 50 and 65 who were able to actively participate in the discussion about the future lifestyle in Hahnbach, especially in old age. Mayor Bernhard Lindner opened the event and emphasized the importance of dialogue with citizens.

Around 50 participants were divided into smaller working groups to discuss topics such as social issues, infrastructure and care. The event was not only a forum for exchange, but also the start of a continuous dialogue about the future of Hahnbach, in which the opinions and needs of citizens should receive increasing attention.

Focus of the discussion

In the area of ​​social affairs, participants expressed the desire for new forms of housing and care for older people, including multi-generational homes and assisted living. Mayor Lindner provided information about the planning of day care and pointed out the need to create more meeting points and meeting places such as cafés or a repair café. Another important topic was the security of inns, for which cooperative models or profit participation rights were discussed as a solution.

Mobility was a central topic in the infrastructure discussion. Participants suggested improved bus connections and the introduction of a call-a-car service for older people. There were also calls to set up public toilets, for example at the Gockelwiese, as well as the desire for a summer stock track at the community pond.

In the area of ​​care, it turned out that citizens are generally satisfied with the existing medical care in Hahnbach, including doctors, schools, kindergarten and leisure facilities such as playgrounds and indoor swimming pools. The active club life, which contributes greatly to the sense of community, also received positive feedback.

Results and outlook

After the group work, a joint buffet took place, followed by a summary of the results and an open discussion to reflect on the most important points. Mayor Lindner thanked the citizens for their committed participation and numerous suggestions. Prizes such as water buffalo merch, wine and vouchers were also raffled off as part of the event.

The results of the group work are evaluated by the AOVE and incorporated into future community development. Those who were unable to attend have the opportunity to submit their suggestions using a questionnaire provided. The great interest and participation of citizens in this dialogue shows that many are willing to actively participate in shaping their homeland.

The need for such citizen dialogues also becomes clear in the context of demographic change, which poses new challenges, particularly to rural communities. Demographic change is expected to increase in the coming decades and requires municipalities to take appropriate measures to address economic, social and ecological problems. With the event, the citizens of Hahnbach took the first step towards formulating their voices and developing solutions for the future. [Hahnbach] reports that… [oberpfalzdaheim.de] shows that… and [buergerdialog.org] describes the comprehensive challenges facing rural communities.