Loneliness trap in old age: This is how the Retla e.V. association supports those affected!

Loneliness trap in old age: This is how the Retla e.V. association supports those affected!

The effects of the corona pandemic on social contacts are currently receiving particular attention. Older people in particular were severely affected by the measures to contain the virus. A central concern of society is to combat loneliness, which is a pressing problem in this context. A study by the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt shows that the “Telephone Angel” project, initiated by the Retla e.V. association in April 2020, has made a significant contribution to reducing experiences of loneliness.

The first lockdown phase in spring 2020 led to a drastic decline in social contacts, particularly for the risk group of older people. They received recommendations to minimize their physical contacts. While many of them were unable to use digital alternatives, the “Telephone Angel” initiative was created. Older people and volunteers can register via a central telephone number, which enables an individual connection. Criteria such as region, gender and some common interests form the basis for matching between participants.

The impact of the project

A comprehensive evaluation study, funded by the Bavarian State Ministry for Health, Care and Prevention, shows the positive results of this project. To date, over 1,900 telephone sponsorships have been arranged. In particular, the participants' sense of community and life satisfaction were significantly increased. The study documents that older people's experience of loneliness was significantly reduced, which can be attributed to regular conversations for at least an hour per week.

The problem of loneliness has not only increased during the pandemic. According to the German Center for Aging Issues, almost 14 percent of people aged 46 and over felt very lonely in the summer of 2020, which is 1.5 times higher than in 2014 and 2017. Both older and younger people are increasingly affected by loneliness, which shows that there is no significant difference in the feeling of loneliness between genders or educational levels.

Health risks

Loneliness poses far-reaching health risks. Studies show that socially isolated people have up to a third higher risk of mortality. Long-term loneliness leads to behavioral changes such as reduced exercise, poorer sleep and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Psychologically, loneliness is a risk factor for depression and can significantly affect quality of life.

Federal Minister for Seniors Franziska Giffey emphasized that it is essential not to lose sight of older people in society. Programs such as the “Mental Health Offensive”, multi-generational houses and telephone counseling promote networking and openness in the fight against loneliness. A mobile advisory project, the “Digital Angel”, also supports older people in accessing digital offerings.

The social problem of loneliness requires a holistic approach that includes both education and low-threshold help offers such as “telephone angels”. These initiatives are crucial to helping people without having to publicly admit their loneliness. A better understanding of loneliness and the challenges it poses is an important step towards improving the overall quality of life of older people.

When discussing loneliness and its consequences, it is important to keep the individual needs of those affected in focus and to encourage the courage to talk about loneliness. The findings of the various studies and initiatives encourage us to continually re-emphasize the need for community and social contact.

Further details on the results of the study can be found at Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, while specific information about the feeling of loneliness in older people and corresponding offers of help can be found on the website Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the AOK can be found.