When company is missing in old age
There is a difference between a quiet afternoon and the wish to be able to share it with someone. Anyone who misses company does not need their way of life to be judged, but the chance to be heard.
What the survey shows
36 percent of people aged 60 and over in Switzerland miss company at least sometimes. Extrapolated, that is more than 800,000 people. Around 140,000 miss it often. Pro Senectute published these results on 1 October 2026 on the survey “Relationships in Old Age”.
The SRF report on the new study (new tab) presents the topic under the title «Jeder Dritte über 60 fühlt sich einsam» (One in three over 60 feels lonely). According to SRF, GFS Zürich carried out the representative survey on behalf of Pro Senectute.
Precision is worthwhile when putting this in context: missing company at least sometimes does not mean being lonely permanently. At the same time, Pro Senectute notes that the large majority of older people are well integrated socially.
Being alone is not the same as loneliness
Living alone can be a conscious choice. According to Pro Senectute, however, people who have lost a partner or gone through a separation, as well as people on low incomes, are particularly affected. Their living situation therefore matters, not age alone. The original press release from Pro Senectute (new tab) explains these differences.
Encounters need opportunities
SRF also looks at everyday conditions: personal visits, a phone call, accessible meeting places and the cooperation of local services. The report stresses how important it is to fund free meeting places. Not every hurdle can be overcome by the advice to simply spend more time among people.
What we take from this for Romera
Our stance is: missing company is not a personal failure. No one should have to justify seeking contact. Equally, no one who currently prefers to be on their own should be pushed into conversation.
Romera wants to open an additional way into conversations – across language borders, too. That is an offer, not a promise against loneliness. Digital conversations replace neither meetings in person nor personal support. Nothing can be inferred from the survey about how effective Romera is.
Perhaps a contact begins with a story, a shared question or attentive listening. Whether trust grows from it cannot be forced. Creating room for it nevertheless remains a worthwhile beginning for us.
A question for the next conversation
Which small encounter most recently gave you the feeling of belonging?