More and more people are growing old without family support
The new study entitled "Ageing without family support" is out. It offers previously unknown insights into a phenomenon that affects at least 140,000 people in Switzerland.
We now know that existing care services for older people cannot fully replace the lack of family support. Older adults who cannot count on care from family members especially run the risk of not receiving adequate psychosocial care in old age. These care gaps can lead to inequalities.
The study, financed by eight Swiss organisations and foundations, not only closes important knowledge gaps, but also provides recommendations for action for future work with older people as well as old-age policy.
Why a new study?
«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, Walder Stiftung
Caroline Desiderio, Managing Director, Walder Stiftung
100,000 - with numbers increasing every year.
In Switzerland, at least 8% of all retirees will grow old without supporting family members. That is around 100,000 people - and it is increasing every year. These figures and other estimates are contained in a preliminary study by the Migros Culture Percentage from 2020.
Women are twice as affected
Women are doubly affected in old age: more women than men without family members are ageing. In addition, women have a higher risk of poverty because they generally draw lower pensions than men.
Foundation power for more knowledge
The new study is commissioned by eight funding foundations and organisations. In doing so, the foundation consortium is contributing to the discourse on the further development of assistance, care and support in old age. New data and facts make it possible to deal with social and demographic change.
Initiators of the study
Conducting the study
