About us

Research team

The Institute for Social Planning, Organisational Change and Urban Development at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland’s School of Social Work was commissioned to conduct the study.

Sandra Janett cooperated in the first phase of the study but no longer works at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW).

Publisher

Age-Stiftung

The Age Foundation is an independent organisation that addresses social issues related to the challenges of growing older and advocates forward-looking solutions. It has promoted many models and offers in German-speaking Switzerland, defined thematic priorities and supported organisations and networks for over 20 years.

«Act, before it's too late!
People who can't rely on family are also entitled to support. It's up to politics and society to come up with solutions. Eight foundations call for action through this study. We stand with them.»

Fleur Jaccard, manager, e-mail

Beisheim Stiftung

The Beisheim Foundation works to enable every person to fulfil their potential and assume an active role in the community. To achieve this, it is promoting and developing projects across Switzerland in the areas of education, health, culture and sport.

«It matters to us that people retain their self-determination as they age and that they can maintain their quality of life as much as possible. We want to contribute through this study to ensuring proper care for all the elderly - regardless of their personal circumstances.»

Thérèse Flückiger, Managing Director, e-mail

Christoph Merian Stiftung

The Christoph Merian Foundation (CMS) is a non-profit foundation under public law with its headquarters and sphere of activity in Basel. It is politically, religiously and ideologically independent.

«The results of the study will be incorporated directly into the work for the future promotion strategy at our foundation. I hope the findings and recommendations lead to specific projects and initiatives.»

Alexander Suter, Head of Social Affairs e-mail

Ernst Göhner Stiftung

Ernst Göhner Stiftung (Ernst Göhner Foundation) invests in companies and also supports and funds cultural, scientific and social institutions.

«How can people who have no family members to look after them be properly cared for and age with dignity?" Many people, politicians and policy makers do not realise how urgently this question needs to be answered. The Ernst Göhner foundation would like to stimulate discussion through this study.»

Michaela Gasser, Social and Environmental Manager, e-mail

Fondation Leenaards

In a society in the throes of change, the Leenaards Foundation is committed to ensuring that the transition leads to a more cohesive society that is more respectful of the living world. In its areas of action, it relies on social innovation approaches. In the field of age & society, it promotes community dynamics - particularly those that stimulate solidarity, intergenerational exchanges and the prevention of vulnerability - as well as quality of life for all phases of ageing.

« By supporting a study of this kind, the Leenaards Foundation hopes to help promote the quality of life of senior citizens. We hope that these tangible results and the recommendations proposed will encourage public debate and political responses to this issue, which is becoming increasingly important in view of the social and demographic changes underway. »

Filip Uffer, Chairman of the Commission for Ages and Society, Leenaards Foundation

Migros Culture Percentage

Migros Culture Percentage is a voluntary initiative by Migros. It is firmly incorporated into the cooperative’s by-laws and rooted in its strong sense of social responsibility. The foundation is committed to giving the general public broad access to cultural events and education, equipping people to confront the issues facing society and empowering them to participate in social, economic and cultural change. Culture, society, education, leisure and the economy are its main pillars. 

«We want to use this study to focus on a target group that has yet to be properly considered in old-age policy making. How will people without family members to rely on grow old in our society, when the principle "outpatient before inpatient" is based on family members being there for their elderly relatives?»

Cornelia Hürzeler, Social Engagement Project Manager, e-mail

Paul Schiller Stiftung

Paul Schiller Stiftung (Paul Schiller Foundation) creates and funds charitable activities of all kinds. The foundation can also make awards to animals and zoos.

«Everybody has a right to age with dignity. Good care is part of this right. The Paul Schiller Foundation provides legal support for high-quality and affordable care for the elderly in Switzerland.»

Maja Nagel Dettling, Trustee, e-mail

Walder Stiftung

Walder Stiftung (Walder Foundation) addresses all aspects and dimensions of life in advancing years. Its activities aim to provide optimal quality of living for all elderly people, regardless of their circumstances and health.

«Nobody should be alone in their old age. If there are no family members to provide care, politics and society must ensure that old people can remain at home in self-determination and not grow lonely. The Walder Foundation contributes to cultivating networks and relationships through its involvement in the study and by supporting specific projects.»

Brigit Wehrli-Schindler, Chair of the Board of Trustees, e-mail
Caroline Desiderio, Managing Director, e-mail