ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Elke Heidenreich's 'Altern' Tops Bestseller Lists; Writer Defends Her Generation

publication · 2026-08-28

Elke Heidenreich, the 81-year-old German writer, has achieved a new milestone with her latest book 'Altern' (Aging), which has stormed the bestseller lists. In a recent interview, she addresses criticisms from younger generations, asserting that accusations against her generation are unfounded. She also expresses that she does not feel old at all. The book's success underscores her enduring popularity and the resonance of her reflections on aging.

Key facts

  • Elke Heidenreich's book 'Altern' has reached the top of bestseller lists.
  • Heidenreich is 81 years old.
  • She defends her generation against accusations from younger people.
  • She states she does not feel old.
  • The interview was published in the NZZ.
  • The article is part of a series titled 'Unser Rhein: Alles fliesst? Alles steht still'.

Entities

Artists

  • Elke Heidenreich

Institutions

  • NZZ

Sources