Taking loneliness towards: Activities for Seniors at the Advent season

Taking loneliness towards: Activities for Seniors at the Advent season

Loneliness is becoming increasingly popular, warns the state chairman of the Upper Austrian Senior Citizens' Association, LH a.d. Josef Pühringer. He emphasizes how important it is to discharge loneliness and help those who retreat to silence. At a joint event with the social councilor Christian Dörfel, the importance of social cohesion in Upper Austria was pointed out. Dörfel said that it was particularly important to involve older people in society to prevent loneliness.

According to current studies, more than half a million Austrians often feel lonely, which can have numerous health consequences. They suffer from diseases such as high blood pressure, weak immune system, chronic pain and depression. Pühringer and Dörfel agree that society has to become active here in order to offer these people a living community.

Inclusive program for all

In order to counteract loneliness, the senior citizens' association offers an extensive program that is open to everyone interested, including people who are not members. "Our goal is to create a community, especially in the Advent season," explains state manager Franz Ebner. This commitment is particularly relevant because the trend towards one-person households in Austria is increasing: from 1985 to 2020 the number of one-person households almost doubled, and over 60 percent of over 80s alone.

The challenges of modern society require new solutions. In this way, the Internet can combine people, correct closeness and a feeling of belonging are still irreplaceable. This underlines this. The question of loneliness, says Pühringer, has to be put into the foreground. Political measures, such as the expansion of community residential complexes and mobility offers for seniors, are urgently necessary to actively act against loneliness.

festive activities against loneliness

The Upper Austrian Senior Citizens' Association has again organized a varied Christmas program this year that aims to promote community during the breastfeeding period of the year. The highlights include the telephone campaign "Griaß di, how are you?" As well as a special meeting on Christmas Eve. The offers are also accessible for non -members to reach as many people as possible.

In addition, an informative advent program is carried out with the Upper Austria Advent singing from December 13th to 15th in the Linz music theater. A contemplative day to get in the mood for Christmas will take place on November 28th in Grieskirchen, in which stories and recipes are replaced.

The initiative of the senior citizens' association is an important step to tackle the challenges of loneliness. The various programs and activities encourage participation and contribute to creating a living, supportive network for older people. This is a crucial step to reduce the health risks of loneliness and to strengthen social cohesion in society. More information about the individual activities and offers can be found on the website of the Senior Citizens' Association.

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