Ruth Egelhardt celebrates 100 years - a life full of commitment!

Ruth Egelhardt celebrates 100 years - a life full of commitment!

Reinickendorf, Deutschland - On June 21, 2025, Ruth Egelhardt celebrated her 100th birthday. District Mayor Emine Demirbüken-Wegner (CDU) brought her warmest congratulations on behalf of the district office. Egelhardt, who always worked for and with people in her long life, is amazed at her old age and is convinced that lifestyle and life design are decisive for a high quality of life.

"Simple cooking, the rare enjoyment of alcohol and a lot of sport in youth" are parts of her way of life that she considers crucial. Egelhardt fled from Görlitz during the war and experienced the destruction of Dresden and the bombed Leipzig up close.

a life in the service of the community

After the war, Egelhardt wanted to train as a new teacher. However, this ambition failed due to its open criticism of the new power conditions in the east. She led her professional career as a carer at the Wedding district office for over 40 years, first in the elderly and later for mothers, infants and disabled people.

Egelhardt organized trips for wheelchair users after big cities such as Dresden, Meißen and Potsdam. Even in old age, she remained active on a voluntary basis. For example, she was involved in the parent committee of her daughter's school and in the Caritas clothing store. Her use in civil protection at the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund brought the Berlin honorary cross in silver, an recognition for her exemplary commitment in the community.

voluntary activities shape society

Egelhardt's life is an example of how important volunteering in society is. In research, it is increasingly emphasized that such activities are of enormous importance not only for those affected, but also for the entire community. Studies such as those of Häer et al. (2000) and Vogel et al. (2017), show that civic engagement plays a crucial role, especially in old age and can promote a positive attitude to life.

The demographic change forces us to find new concepts for the inclusion of older people in society. Künemund (2013) describes how important the active participation of older citizens in social and cultural activities is to avoid isolation and increase the quality of life. Egelhardt is a shining example of a committed senior woman who passes on her knowledge and experience of the next generation and thus strengthens the community.

Ruth Egelhardt not only shaped her own life, but also the life of many other people who have benefited from their care and their commitment. Her 100th birthday is not only an occasion for the celebration, but also an opportunity to think about the value of volunteering and social participation.

Further information about your birthday party and the commitment of Egelhardt can be found on the websites of the district [Berlin] (https://www.berlin.de/ba-reinickendorf/aktuelles/Pressemaytreichungen/2025/Pressemage department. 1573360.php) or in the area of ​​honorary position [Weber] (https://weber-gesam edition.de/en/a004234.html). Scientific articles on volunteering today can also be consulted at de Gruyter.