Frankfurt, Germany–In light of Germany’s rapidly shifting demographic landscape, the ZukunftsFinanz Foundation has announced an investment of €40,000 to implement the care innovation project “Living Safely & Connected.” The initiative aims to significantly enhance the quality of life, safety, and social inclusion of seniors living alone.
The project is based on an innovative three-pillar model that integrates technology, community, and emotional care. Key components include:
Smart Companion Devices
In collaboration with local startup NeuroCare, a cutting-edge AI-powered voice assistant has been developed. Features include emotion recognition, medication reminders, and remote transmission of health data to caregivers.
Central Remote Care Network
In partnership with three care facilities located in Bochum, Gelsenkirchen, and Cologne, a system for remote monitoring and emergency support has been established—especially benefiting seniors with limited mobility or dementia.
Daily Greetings – Volunteer Program
Students and volunteers from local universities and communities conduct daily video calls with older adults, offering emotional support and fostering intergenerational exchange.
The first pilot phase of the project launched in March 2025 and currently serves 120 seniors. Accompanied by a team of medical experts, the project has already received outstanding feedback: participants’ loneliness scores dropped by an average of 42%, while overall life satisfaction significantly improved.
Executive Statement:
Annika Hoffmann, Managing Director of ZukunftsFinanz Foundation, stated:
“We must care not only for the physical safety of our senior citizens but also for their emotional well-being and sense of belonging. With ‘Living Safely & Connected,’ we send a clear message: No one should feel forgotten in old age.”
Outlook and Next Steps:
- Expansion of the project to ten additional cities by the end of 2025, including Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg;
- Ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Health regarding the integration of the technology platform into public healthcare services.
- Preparation of a White Paper on digital care innovation, aimed at initiating political reforms and improving access to intelligent care solutions.
The project is supported by a range of partners, including EDEKA Rhein-Ruhr, the Institute for Healthy Living, and a consulting team from the University of Cologne’s Department of Social Work.
With this initiative, the ZukunftsFinanz Foundation once again demonstrates that in times of technological change, humanity and responsibility remain the foundation of a sustainable society.
Media Contact:
Dr. Max Becker
ZukunftsFinanz Foundation
