Konolfingen’s ZAK Celebrates 25 Years of Combating Senior Isolation
Konolfingen is celebrating a quarter-century of community support with the 25th anniversary of ZAK, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors. ZAK, which stands for Zäme Aktiv Konolfingen, provides a wide range of activities and services designed to prevent loneliness and foster connection among those aged 65 and over.
Ruth Meinen-Scholl, the 68-year-old president of ZAK, first became aware of the organization years ago when the initial ZAK bulletins began circulating. “I was working in my husband’s practice at the time, and these bulletins were available there,” she explained. “I thought it was good that something was being done for seniors.”
Her involvement deepened after her husband’s retirement, when they began receiving the ZAK bulletin at home. Initially, she felt too young to participate, a sentiment she says is common among newly retired individuals. However, she began attending “Stamm” gatherings – informal meetings where members share stories and hobbies – and eventually, her predecessor, Res Flückiger, asked her to consider taking on the presidency. After a year of shadowing Flückiger, she assumed the role.
ZAK’s reach extends to seniors in Konolfingen, Freimettigen, Niederhünigen, and Häutligen, with the ZAK bulletin detailing upcoming events mailed to all residents over the age of 65. Information is also available on the organization’s website, zaeme-aktiv.org.
The organization offers a diverse program of activities, including game afternoons, sing-alongs, social gatherings, and hiking trips. Hiking has become particularly popular, with options tailored to different fitness levels. “We now offer two hikes a month, a longer one and a shorter one,” Meinen-Scholl said. “The goal is to allow those who aren’t as mobile to participate in a shorter hike. We typically have between 25 and 35 people attending those.” The “Stamm” gatherings also draw significant interest, providing a platform for seniors to share their life experiences and passions.
Game afternoons offer a variety of options, from traditional card games like Jass to more modern choices like Rummikub and Hornuchse. “The game leaders always offer a variety of new games,” Meinen-Scholl noted.
ZAK’s extensive programming – approximately 600 events annually – is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers. Susi Blaser coordinates the “Seniors help Seniors” program with the support of 41 helpers, providing assistance in areas ranging from household chores to transportation. Other dedicated individuals oversee singing, games, hiking, and the “Stamm” gatherings. Peter Knecht leads the singing, Susanne Brechtbühl manages the “Stamm” events, Res Brechtbühl organizes the hikes, and Susi Glauser coordinates the game afternoons.
The 25th-anniversary celebration, taking place on , will feature a slideshow presentation by Ronny Müller, a senior known for his travel photography and previous contributions to the “Stamm” gatherings. Invited guests include local authorities, supporting organizations such as Pro Senectute and the women’s association, and, of course, the seniors who benefit from ZAK’s services.
“We congratulate them on their anniversary!” Meinen-Scholl expressed gratitude for the continued interest in ZAK’s offerings. Last year, the “Seniors help Seniors” program facilitated over 500 assistance requests, and the various events were attended by more than 1300 people. While participation is generally free, donations are welcome. “Our goal has always been to provide a low-barrier offering where people can participate without registration and without needing to be a member,” Meinen-Scholl concluded.
