Loneliness in old age: Bad Nauheim senior citizens' advisory board sounds the alarm!

Loneliness in old age: Bad Nauheim senior citizens' advisory board sounds the alarm!

In Bad Nauheim, an urgent problem is being tackled: the loneliness of older people. The city's senior citizens' advisory board has decided to put the issue more in the spotlight. As the Frankfurter Neue Presse reports, the advisory board's annual motto is “solitude”. The need to address this issue is becoming increasingly clear, especially after the experiences of the last few years, which were marked by the corona pandemic. Lonely people are less likely to take part in social life and often find their lives sad.

The senior citizens' advisory board's plans are diverse. In addition to a New Year's reception and an end-of-year meeting, the idea of ​​inviting an author who has dealt intensively with the topic of loneliness as a speaker is being discussed. Advisory board member Steffen Hensel is convinced that these events can provide a platform to talk about loneliness and find possible solutions. According to the authors Claudia Neu and Berthold Vogel, loneliness is a social issue that can lead to withdrawal and illness. However, it doesn't just affect seniors; Young people are also often affected by isolation. In this context, Hans-Ulrich Halwe discussed bullying and cyberbullying among young people and suggested inviting the youth advisory board to the end-of-year event.

Planned events and local actions

The discussion about loneliness also concerns concrete actions in the city. City officials report regular popularity at regular meetings, which are often attended by older people who live alone. According to Klaus Englert, city councilor, such meeting opportunities are essential. First city councilor Peter Krank refers to existing instruments, such as the senior companions at the volunteer center, which aim to actively combat loneliness. The coordinator of the Bad Nauheim neighborhood help group, Irmgard Guse, also reports cries for help from seniors who often feel lonely and can no longer shop for themselves.

Awareness of the problem is growing, as a study shows that one in three seniors over 65 in Germany is affected by loneliness. This loneliness not only has psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety, but can also significantly affect physical health. Chronic illnesses, an increased risk of mortality and even stress consequences that weaken the immune system are clear evidence of the drastic effects. Under the motto “Against Loneliness”, the neighborhood help group promotes social contacts and participation in social life.

Social responsibility

The challenges that come with loneliness require collective action. Traugott Arens, Chairman of the Bad Nauheim Neighborhood Aid, emphasizes the importance of supporting older people in society. Neighborhood Help develops concepts to promote coexistence and is constantly looking for committed people who would like to visit and support lonely seniors.

Nevertheless, advisory board member Brigitte Peukert does not see a major problem in Bad Nauheim, as there are many offers. Dorothe Langsdorf advocates locally oriented solutions instead of inviting external speakers. But Steffen Hensel warns against incorrectly assuming that everyone affected can actively participate in events. Dr. Ulla-Ira Stamm, the chairwoman, notes that many events often do not offer enough opportunities for new contacts.

Conclusion

The issue of loneliness is complex and requires attention from the entire community. Only together can we succeed in improving the quality of life of seniors in Bad Nauheim and promoting a sense of belonging. It remains to be hoped that the planned events and initiatives of the senior citizens' advisory board and neighborhood support will help to reduce loneliness and strengthen social interaction. As the Frankfurter Neue Presse summarizes, the need for action is great – and every voice counts.