Germany addresses rising loneliness through community and education

Loneliness is emerging as a significant societal challenge in Germany and globally, affecting all age groups and potentially leading to social alienation and radicalization. Research indicates that one in three people in Germany feels at least partially lonely. This phenomenon is linked to various health risks, including depression, dementia, heart attacks, and strokes.

To address this, the Schwabenakademie Irsee, in cooperation with the Bavarian Adult Education Association (bvv), will host a conference titled ‘Facing Loneliness: New Ways in Adult Education’ from September 28 to 29, 2026, at Kloster Irsee. The event aims to explore the psychological, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of loneliness through an interdisciplinary lens.

The conference will focus on how educational institutions, such as adult education centers (Volkshochschulen), can implement concrete formats to foster social connection. Experts suggest that local municipalities and community hubs like libraries must provide reliable, low-threshold meeting spaces to strengthen social bonds and prevent a ‘decade of loneliness’.