Social isolation puts a strain on the mental health of older people
The Federal Government recently published the 9th Ageing Report, which provides a detailed insight into the living realities of older people in Germany. It focuses on three central challenges: poverty in old age, a lack of social participation and loneliness in old age .
The latter issue in particular has become more explosive in recent years, as more and more older people are affected by social isolation.
What is the Federal Government's Age Report?
The Age Report is a regularly published report that looks at the opportunities and risks of ageing in Germany. It is commissioned by the federal government and prepared by experts from science and practice. The aim is to develop recommendations for action for politics and society in order to meet the challenges of demographic change .
The 9th report is entitled “Growing Old in Germany” and focuses in particular on the effects of social changes on older people.
This is what the Federal Government’s 9th Age Report is about
The report identifies three key problem areas:
- Poverty in old age : Many older people face financial difficulties that can significantly affect their quality of life.
- Lack of participation : Social isolation and withdrawal from social activities are widespread.
- Loneliness in old age : a growing phenomenon that can seriously affect both mental and physical health.
Effects of Loneliness in Old Age
Loneliness is more than a subjective feeling. Studies show that it significantly increases the risk of depression, cardiovascular disease and increased mortality . Without regular social contacts, important mental and emotional stimuli that are essential for well-being can be missing.
Why are so many people affected by loneliness in old age?
The causes of loneliness in old age are manifold:
- Increasing mobility : Families often live far away from each other, making regular visits difficult.
- Decreasing mobility : Physical limitations make it difficult for many older people to leave the house.
- Reduction in social networks : As we get older, our circle of friends shrinks, whether due to moving, illness or death.
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Technology barriers : Digital communication tools are often difficult to access and require a learning curve that is unfamiliar to many older people.
What can relatives do to avoid loneliness in old age?
Families can take proactive action against loneliness:
- Regular communication strengthens social bonds. Continuous exchange via telephone calls or visits counteracts isolation.
- Shared activities in an age-appropriate environment give structure to everyday life and are appreciated by many older people.
- The integration of older relatives into digital communication channels should be supported, for example through easy-to-use devices or aids.
How family.cards reduces loneliness
One example of an innovative solution is family.cards . Users report that regular use makes it easier to stay in touch with family members and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Read here how family.cards works.
Diverse offering on a familiar device
By connecting the TV to a small card reader, simple control is possible using easily readable function cards . This means that several functions are available on the TV at home that are otherwise only available on smartphones:
- Video calls from TV to mobile phone and back
- Create and share photo albums and videos
- News, series and films on demand
- Play music and audio books
- exercise for seniors
That is why seniors prefer the TV as a device
No learning curve is required to operate a television. Controlling family.cards via the TV allows even technically inexperienced users to participate in their family's digital life. The TV is the most familiar device in the everyday lives of older people, as they have been using it every day for many years. It offers the largest screen available and allows for a volume that is easy to hear.
This is why older people reject smartphones
Many older people face challenges when using cell phones. Since they did not grow up with this technology , they often do not understand menus and how they work. Touchscreens often do not seem self-explanatory to them and are difficult to use due to degenerative limitations. Even senior smartphones with larger buttons are not a good alternative and disappear unused in a drawer.
Family.cards builds a bridge to the digital age
With the family.cards card reader, seniors experience the best of both worlds: They can use their familiar television and avoid the frustration they feel when confronted with learning modern technology.
To start a video call or another action, users select the card with the desired action and place it on the family.cards card reader. The TV then starts automatically and there is no need to switch using the remote control.
Because the application is so simple, it is easy to integrate into everyday life. In addition, relatives can also call the TV using their smartphones and thus demonstrate the added value of a video call. This not only breaks social isolation, but also sustainably improves the quality of life.
