Elke Olbermann

Dr. Elke Olbermann is a Researcher at the University of Siegen's Department of Social Sciences (Faculty I) since 2024. Previously, she served as Scientific Director and Head of the Research Department 'Senior Citizen Policy, Municipal Counseling and Planning' at TU Dortmund University (2011–2023). She holds a Dr. phil. from the University of Dortmund (2003) and has extensive experience in gerontological research since 1990.

Education:

• 2003: Doctorate (Dr. phil.) in Educational Science/Sociology at University of Dortmund
• 1995: Sociology degree from University of Mannheim

Research Focus: Municipal elderly policy, aging and migration, health promotion among older migrants, culturally sensitive elderly care, and intergenerational dialogue. She leads major projects like the 'Transformation of rural industrialized areas' (BMBF-funded, 2023–2027) and 'Creative Prevention!' (vdek-funded, 2022–2025).

Grants & Projects:

• Funded by BMBF, BMI, MAGS, and EU
• Evaluated senior citizen offices in NRW (2018–2019)
• Developed migration-sensitive elderly care frameworks

Professional Roles:

• Board Member, German Society for Gerontology (Section IV)
• Advisory Board member for ESF elderly participation programs
• Reviewer for BMBF and Journal of Gerontology

Research Network: Active in the Forum for Culturally Sensitive Care for the Elderly and collaborates with Malteser Deutschland, AWO, and municipal integration centers across Germany.