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Foreign ministers and government officials met with organizations to discuss measures to combat loneliness in old age. They want to create more awareness, said Chancellor Kurz.
The crisis of the crown and, above all, the confinement brought the issue of loneliness in old age to the agenda of the Federal Government. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) welcomed representatives from various organizations to a round table on old age on Monday. The “pact” sought by the government aims to allow measures to create a safe environment for nursing homes and hospitals during the crown crisis. In addition to various measures, the head of government called for greater awareness.
The “pact against loneliness” was announced by the head of government in his statement. On the government side, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, Social Affairs Minister Rudolf Anschober (both Green) and Public Service Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) participate. Among the organizations represented are Caritas, the aid organization, the Red Cross, the Diakonie, the Lebenshilfe and the associations of retirees and elderly people.
Nursing Home Improvements
The loneliness of the elderly is a general challenge for our society, Kurz emphasized. Even during the pandemic, it is particularly important to maintain social contacts. As possible measures, he listed, among other things, structural installations such as Plexiglas panels, good hygiene, visit concepts and specific tests. But there should also be a “greater awareness in our society” of the loneliness of old age.
The Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Anschober, also joined. Also for him, solidarity in society is the key. Especially in cities, the structure of life changes more and more, for example due to increased mobility. “Our lives are shattered,” said the Minister of Social Affairs. Anschober also mentioned the possibility of specially protected access to old people’s and old people’s homes that has already been created.
Minister Köstinger, who is also responsible for community service, relies on voluntary commitment. Especially in times of pandemic, it is important to deploy volunteers and focus more on helping the neighborhood. Of course, this is also associated with “some fear,” especially in times of increasing infections, Köstinger noted.
“Social pandemic”
The current president of the Council of Elders, Ingrid Korosec (ÖVP), like the rest of the participants, stressed that loneliness in old age is a fundamental issue. “We have to be careful that this loneliness does not turn into a social pandemic,” he also warned. Togetherness rather than loneliness is the most important thing for health and recovery, emphasized the president of the Disability Council, Herbert Pichler.
(THAN)
