On December 16, 2025, our professor Dr. Tajana Grießmann-Gehrt was invited to deliver a scientific talk at the Loneliness Summit at Reinickendorf Town Hall (Berlin):
"Loneliness among adolescents and young adults – an underestimated health risk."
An important topic that shows: loneliness does not only affect older people – young people are increasingly at risk.
"In public perception and clinical practice, loneliness has been primarily treated as a geriatric syndrome for decades. However, it is becoming clear that the life phases of adolescence and early adulthood – which we want to focus on today – are not solely characterized by maximum social connectivity, high interaction density, or subjective feelings of belonging, as was long assumed." – Prof. Dr. Tajana Grießmann-Gehrt
Alongside numerous interested guests, four schools participated in the Loneliness Summit. In four working groups, participants reflected and discussed how this issue can be addressed in practical ways. The long-planned day was a resounding success!
The second photo also shows the Mayor of Reinickendorf, Ms. Demirbüken-Wegner, who hosted the event.
The annual Loneliness Summit brings together science, practice, and local initiatives. This year, the focus was particularly on the younger generation – adolescents and young adults whose loneliness often goes unnoticed in everyday life. Through expert talks, workshops, and exchange formats, the aim was to give them a voice and create new pathways for connection.
The district of Reinickendorf made clear: no one should have to face loneliness alone.
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