A New Project in Wismar Brings Young Families and Seniors Together—Turning Chance Meetings into Real Friendships
Wismar's Generationenmatch Bridges Generations Through Casual Meetups
For Janna Welp and her mother, the distance between them is roughly 250 kilometers—or a three-and-a-half-hour drive. Too far for spontaneous visits, too far for quick help in daily life.
Welp lives with her husband and two children in Wismar on the Baltic coast, while her family is based in Cuxhaven. Their bond is close, but proximity is missing. No quick stop at grandma's after daycare, no impromptu ice cream together, no last-minute afternoon at the pool with Grandma. Everyday support? Usually only with careful planning—and a lot of it.
From this personal need, an idea takes shape: Why not reconnect generations in a new way? Why not bring together people who can support each other—even if they aren't related?
Together with the nonprofit Kamondra, Janna Welp launches Generationenmatch—the first initiative of its kind in Wismar.
Getting to Know Each Other, Not Seeking Perfection
The concept is deliberately low-pressure. Anyone can join: seniors, families, singles. The goal isn't to find the perfect match based on rigid criteria, but to foster genuine connections.
"Most people are shy at first. It's not easy to just walk up to someone," says Welp. That's why the team organizes facilitated meetups. There are games, rotating groups, and conversations that unfold naturally—no pressure, just space for intergenerational encounters.
One thing quickly becomes clear: A "perfect match" rarely happens instantly. Mindsets need to align, expectations too. "In the end, it comes down to chemistry—and what both sides are willing to make of it," Welp explains. But it's always worth a try.
From WhatsApp Workshops to Stand-In Grandmas
So far, Generationenmatch has already hosted its first gatherings. Four retirees and three to four families now participate regularly.
