What to do about loneliness in old age?
April 17, 2025
How do we deal with loneliness in old age? What does loneliness do to us? In the recently published reference book "Loneliness today. Individual fate or social failure?", our colleagues Sabine Millius and Eliane Pfister Lipp explore these questions. Their contribution shows that there are many things that can help.
Sometimes all it takes is a phone call, a shared lunch or support with using a mobile phone. Visiting services, open meeting spaces, good conversations, flexible visiting times or sensitive counselling - all of these can alleviate loneliness. It is important that the measures are appropriate for the people they affect. And that they are offered with care.
Loneliness is not a rare phenomenon. It can affect anyone, but it is a complex and previously underestimated issue in old age. And it is exacerbated by certain life situations: the death of a loved one, a move, retirement, declining mobility or health restrictions. The gap between the desire for connection and the reality experienced can be very painful.
"Talking about it is an important first step."
In their article "Professional and social approaches to dealing with loneliness in old age", the two authors also address the health effects of loneliness. They take up the concept of Total Pain, which takes a holistic view of people and their pain and suffering. And they formulate recommendations on how protective factors - such as sustainable relationships, self-efficacy and a positive view of one's own situation - can help to counteract loneliness.
Their chapter is also based on a study conducted at the Hottingen retirement centre in 2019. The results show that loneliness can be recognised, prevented and alleviated. And that small things often make a big difference.
Weitere Beiträge
Counsellor
Natural help for hay fever
In spring and summer, a large number of people suffer from hay fever, an allergic reaction to pollen. In Switzerland, around 20 per cent of the population are affected by a pollen allergy. While many resort to conventional medication, more and more sufferers are looking for natural and complementary therapies to alleviate their symptoms. We asked our head physician, Dr Teelke Beck, which complementary treatment approaches can bring relief.
Counsellor
Chickenpox (varicella) in children: Everything you need to know about symptoms, causes and treatment
Chickenpox (varicella) is one of the most common childhood diseases and is highly contagious. In most cases, they are mild in healthy children, but can cause severe itching and discomfort. In this article, Dr Christine Stettner explains how chickenpox is transmitted, what the typical symptoms are, how the disease progresses and what measures can be taken to alleviate the symptoms.
Counsellor
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMK): causes, symptoms and treatment in children
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a widespread viral infection that occurs mainly in young children. Although it is harmless in most cases, it can be a challenge for those affected and their families due to its high risk of infection and unpleasant symptoms. We spoke to Dr Christine Stettner, a specialist in paediatrics and adolescent medicine at our paediatric clinic, to give you an overview of the causes, symptoms and course of the disease.