Together with the CSA research institute, AGE’s French member organisation, les Petits Frères des pauvres, has carried out a survey on the older persons’ isolation in France. About 1,800 people aged over 60 were interviewed over the phone or face-to-face, including older persons who are detained, seriously ill or in collective centres, often excluded from polls.
The study reveals that 900,000 older persons in France (6% of 60plussers) experienced severe loneliness leading to social exclusion. Isolation increases with age, reaching a peak around the age of 85. Rural living and the lack of digital skills are two other major criteria for social exclusion.
Some good news also come out of the survey:
- family solidarity strengthened with very old age,
- the overall feeling of happiness prevails among a large majority older persons
- community networks are important driver for socializing.
Read more in French on Les Petits Frères des Pauvres’ website and in this press article (Le Monde)
