Interested readers see headlines like “Society is aging” in the newspaper, hear it on the radio, and see it on TV.
But why has average life expectancy been steadily increasing in OECD countries? What are the social and economic consequences of this? What opportunities do these changes present?
The public lectures in the “Science & Society” series address these questions, thereby expanding the basic scientific and medical research on aging conducted in Jena to include social and societal aspects.
The lectures are organized twice a year by the Leibniz Institute on Aging and Beutenberg-Campus Jena e.V.
We are pleased to once again welcome the author, lecturer, and traveling speaker Dieter Bednarz as our guest speaker on the eve of the “Long Night of Science” in Jena.
When? November 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Where? Abbe-Zentrum Jena, Hans-Knöll-Str. 1, Lecture Hall
“Old Enough to Stay Young” With his new book Old Enough to Stay Young – On the Art of Finding Fulfillment , Dieter Bednarz—born in 1956—invites his audience on a journey of discovery both entertaining and insightful into the great freedom that comes after working life. While his highly acclaimed earlier book Too Young to Be Old! focused on the transition to retirement, he now addresses the big question that concerns more and more older people: How can we age in a fulfilling, healthy, and mentally vibrant way, and what can each of us do to contribute to this?
During his research trips, Dieter Bednarz met leading experts in psychology, epigenetics, medicine, gerontology, and philosophy and asked them what can truly strengthen us during this new phase of life.
Anyone who wants to view old age as an opportunity to find happiness or even fulfillment will receive a wealth of inspiring insights from this lecture by Dieter Bednarz—presented in a humorous, down-to-earth, and scientifically informed manner.
He opens up new perspectives on intergenerational dialogue, the aging of society, and relationships within families and between partners. In doing so, he combines his own experiences with the latest findings from experts, gives lively accounts of his investigations, and provides answers to the big questions of this stage of life: What do I want from life—and what does life want from me?
For those who didn’t get to see him live at our “Science & Society” event in 2019: His appearances and book presentations are more than just ordinary readings—they are small artistic performances, as entertaining as they are informative and inspiring. They encourage you to rethink your own life.
We cordially invite you to join us!
Additional information:
The lecture will be held in German.
