With the extension of life expectancy, the issue of loneliness among elderly people has become a major societal issue. This phenomenon, although often silent, affects a growing number of seniors in France and around the world. Understanding the different forms of loneliness that affect this population is essential to better respond, especially since technologies, notably videoconferencing, offer today concrete solutions to break isolation.
The multiple faces of solitude
The loneliness of elderly people can take several forms:
- Social loneliness, which results from a lack of contacts or regular relationships. It often occurs after significant life events: death of the spouse, separation from children, retirement, loss of autonomy or even relocation to a reception structure.
- Emotional loneliness, even in the presence of others, is characterized by a sense of affective emptiness or the lack of a deep and meaningful connection.
- Geographical isolation, when relatives live far away or mobility is reduced (health problems, lack of transport, poorly adapted environment).
- Digital isolation, linked to the technological gap that prevents some seniors from accessing modern communication means.
A phenomenon in strong progression
In France, according to the 2021 report of the Fondation de France, more than 4 million people aged 60 and over feel alone. Among them, nearly 900,000 are in a situation of intense social isolation, almost never seeing their loved ones or having no regular social interactions.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 3 elderly people suffer from loneliness. This figure tends to increase with the aging of the world population: by 2050, one in six people will be over 65 years old.
Loneliness is not just a psychological problem: it has direct consequences on health. It increases the risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive disorders and even premature mortality. A study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science (2015) showed that social isolation increases the risk of premature death by 26%.
The video call, a vital link in the face of distance
Faced with the geographical distance of families, digital tools can play an essential role. Videoconferencing, in particular, allows to recreate a form of presence despite the distance. Seeing the face of a loved one, sharing a live moment, even through a screen, brings real comfort and strengthens emotional bonds.
These tools are also valuable for the clarification of doubts: when a senior does not answer the phone or seems in distress, a video call allows a loved one or a professional to check their condition, to verify living conditions or to intervene quickly if necessary.
Many initiatives are emerging, combining digital support and the fight against isolation. Some associations, such as Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, have set up regular call mechanisms, sometimes via video calls, to recreate social ties. Local authorities are also equipping seniors’ homes with simplified tablets with integrated video calls.
Conclusion
The loneliness of elderly people is a complex reality, multifaceted and with heavy consequences. In an increasingly digitized society, communication tools such as videoconferencing become valuable allies for maintaining social ties, even at a distance. It is still necessary to support elderly people in their use and adapt these technologies to their needs. Because beyond the tools, it is indeed the warmth of the human bond that remains the key to sustainably combat isolation.
