Healthy living and housing in rural areas is of great importance for independence and well-being, especially for older people. In three teaching research projects on the subject of “Healthy living and living into old age”, the question of how a neighbourhood development concept can take up the needs of an ageing population against the background of the structural, spatial and socio-spatial framework conditions, process them conceptually and implement them in a project related manner was investigated. The article describes how concepts respond to local conditions and prepare political and planning decisions. The findings are based on three case studies, for which detailed concepts for neighbourhood development have been developed. Both extensive literature analyses and secondary data analyses were used. In addition, discussions with those responsible on site provided important insights. The case studies led to recommendations for action for rural areas with an ageing population in Schleswig–Holstein. These include the consideration of old age as an independent phase of life, the need to mix the functions of a place or neighbourhood, the provision of alternative forms of housing, regional differences and the increasing use of smartphones and the internet in the everyday lives of older people. Secondly, a summary presentation within the framework of a neighbourhood development concept proves to be particularly focussed on its implementation. A concept provides the responsible decision-makers on site with a detailed analysis and based on this, formulates a conceptual further development of the location or neighbourhood with concrete goals, measures and project proposals.