Day 24

10 min. of visiting time for a lonely, old person in Germany

Rays of hope for more joy in life

Enable a happy retirement through sponsorships

The Neustadt, where 73-year-old Helga has lived and worked, is a different place today. She has lived there for over 50 years and can vividly tell anecdotes about various locations in her neighborhood with energetic gestures. However, for some time now, the lively older woman has had a vision impairment that limits her daily life, making her feel lonely and isolated. Fortunately, there is now a true bright spot in her life: young student Pauline visits her regularly once a week and accompanies her to doctors, the hairdresser, for a walk, or to a newly found self-help group at the Blind Association. "I’m so happy to have this kind company by my side and know I can rely on her," says Helga. Especially during Advent and Christmas, the senior visitation service KlingelZeichen is a true labor of love, and the festive Christmas party is a special highlight for both the lonely elderly people and the volunteers. Joyful moments for Helga, in addition to Pauline's regular visits, are also the summer picnic and excursions to nearby areas. "I wouldn't be able to do this alone!"

Schauspieler und Regisseur Matthias Brenner erzählt dir von seinem Lieblingsprojekt

need

Accompaniment and support of seniors living alone

activity

Volunteer mentors visit the elderly at least once a week, accompany them to various activities and organize community activities

Measurable performance

Allowed weekly visiting hours

Result

The seniors make social contacts, are supported in their everyday lives, receive information about offers of help and new courage to live. Physical or psychological problems are recognized earlier

Systemically relevant impact

Seniors stay healthy longer and live longer in their own homes. Social participation and cohesion are strengthened

background

Biographies like Helga's are not isolated cases. The number of older people who feel lonely and isolated in old age is increasing. Due to demographic changes, the population is aging rapidly, and because of professional mobility and individualization, family members as support systems are lacking. Close relatives often no longer live in the same area but have moved away, sometimes living far away. In 2023, the percentage of the population aged 65 and older in Saxony-Anhalt was 27.8%, making it the federal state with the highest proportion of older people aged 65 and over (Statista, 2024). Additionally, poverty among older people is rising (the risk of poverty rate among those over 65 in Germany in 2021 was 28.1%, higher than the EU average), and shame, fear, or events like the COVID-19 pandemic lead to even greater withdrawal among older people (Deutscher Bundestag, 2023). Elderly people living alone are especially affected by the negative effects of social isolation (Pantel, J., 2021). Older people therefore still need a supportive social environment to avoid loneliness and isolation. The more social contacts there are, the greater the likelihood of living longer and healthier (aerzteblatt.de, 2023). Preventing physical and psychological consequences of social isolation is therefore an important societal task.

The senior visitation service KlingelZeichen helps to build new social contacts for older people, supports them in living longer in their own homes, and brings joy back into their lives. The individuals involved receive attention, a listening ear, and assistance in finding additional support services. Community actions also play a significant role as special highlights. They bring anticipation and "resonate" as valuable memories and conversation starters for a long time.

The good deed

Your good deed today brings joy and social connections to the lives of older, lonely individuals like Helga. Volunteers of all ages regularly provide companionship to elderly people, offering them time, attention, a hug, or a listening ear. These elderly individuals receive a visit at least once a week for a minimum of two hours. In addition, community events such as Christmas parties, summer picnics, or outings are organized. In times of trouble or crisis, volunteers are often the first point of contact, helping them access further support services. This good deed alleviates the effects of loneliness, isolation, and poverty in old age, increasing the chances of living longer and healthier in their own homes. Especially, joy, social connections, and a structured daily routine are crucial factors in maintaining the mental health of older people.

About Germany

Berlin

Capital city

84,482,267

population

as of 2023

52,745.8

Gross domestic product per capita per year in USD

as of 2023

0.950

Human Development Index (Human Development Index)

as of 2023/2024

The number of people over 65 years of age is steadily increasing in Germany. Since 1991, their number has risen from 12 million to 18.7 million in 2022, which corresponds to 22% of the total population. The group of very old people over 85 years of age is growing particularly strongly. In 1991 there were 1.2 million, in 2022 there were already 2.7 million. In Saxony-Anhalt the proportion of people of retirement age is the highest in Germany at 27.8%.

About Germany