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Future Dialogue Part 5: Burgenlandkreis - Excellence Region for Inclusive Tourism as an Opportunity for Demographic Change


In the fifth part of the Future Dialogue, Fatina Siwczak addressed one of the central challenges and, at the same time, a great opportunity for the Burgenlandkreis: demographic change and the development toward an excellence region for inclusive tourism.

With well-founded data and practical examples, she demonstrated how rural areas can be strengthened as livable regions despite population decline and aging.

Demographic Change as a Challenge

The Burgenlandkreis faces a massive population decline: from 2023 to 2040, a decrease of approximately 25% is projected. Even more significant is that only about half of the current working-age population will be available in 2040—meaning the number of workers will drop sharply, while the demand for jobs and services remains stable or even increases.

Utilizing the Older Population as a Resource

Instead of viewing demographic change as a problem, Siwczak proposes seeing it as a resource. Older people, who increasingly make up a large share of the population, offer untapped potential. Her goal is to shape the Burgenlandkreis as an age-friendly region where older people can remain mobile and actively participate in societal life for as long as possible. At the same time, family caregivers should be supported and relieved.

Two Scenarios: Mobility vs. Nursing Home

Siwczak illustrates the economic and social consequences with two examples:

  • Scenario 1: An older woman lives independently in her traditional three-sided farmhouse, remains mobile, and can shop locally and access services. This strengthens regional trade and craftsmanship while maintaining social connections.
  • Scenario 2: The same woman must move to a nursing home, which is significantly more expensive and where her pension does not cover the costs. The shortfall must be covered by personal contributions or municipal subsidies—a financial burden for all.


Alternative Housing and Care Concepts as Solutions

One important concept is GreenCare—social farming, where older people are integrated into small agricultural businesses, for example, by helping care for animals. This promotes inclusion, interpersonal connections, and secures rural livelihoods.

Additionally, young people starting vocational training or looking for housing could live with older residents in exchange for small services like shopping—a classic win-win situation.

Relieving Family Caregivers

Currently, about 20% of those in need of care are looked after at home by family members—a figure that could rise to 40%. Many family caregivers reduce their working hours and risk health issues due to the double burden. This leads to significant economic challenges, especially given the declining working population.

Siwczak therefore calls for more proactive support from municipalities, such as service provisions that assist with applications and care organization to relieve family caregivers.

Ambient Assisted Living – Living Independently Longer

Another approach is Ambient Assisted Living: technical and social measures that enable older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

However, information offerings need to be better and more accessible. Instead of centralized contact points, information should be available where the target group is—such as in pharmacies, medical supply stores, or doctors’ offices.

Future Opportunity: Inclusive Tourism

The fifth Future Dialogue clearly showed that the Burgenlandkreis, with its rural structures and aging population, faces unique challenges but can also seize opportunities. By becoming an excellence region for inclusive tourism and age-friendly living models, the region can improve quality of life, secure its workforce, and strengthen the local economy.

The combination of social participation, mobility, and economic sustainability is the key to a successful and livable future in the Burgenlandkreis.

Watch the video for more information.

Author: AI-Translation - Американский искусственный интеллект  | 

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