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Like many European countries, Belgium is experiencing a gradual aging of its population. In 2023, people aged 65 and older accounted for about 20% of the Belgian population. This proportion could reach 25% by 2050, while about one in ten Belgians would then be 80 or older.
This demographic aging brings with it significant challenges related to loneliness and social isolation. As people age, the loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, and fewer opportunities to socialize can gradually weaken older adults’ social networks.
Bras dessus Bras dessous is a Belgian nonprofit organization founded in Forest, in the Brussels Region, in 2016. Its mission arose from the observation that, despite the existence of numerous professional services for older adults, those aging at home may lack opportunities to form informal and lasting social relationships within their everyday environment.
The organization combats loneliness and isolation among older adults by developing intergenerational and multicultural neighborhood support networks. It connects people over the age of 60 with younger neighbors who wish to spend time with them, based on their availability and shared interests.
The goal is to put older adults back at the center of their social environment and to promote a more harmonious aging process at home. The support provided is not intended to replace professionals or family caregivers; rather, it complements existing services by rebuilding an informal network of relationships, mutual support, and camaraderie around the individual.
The association’s approach is based in particular on the values of respect, autonomy, reciprocity, camaraderie, solidarity, empathy, and humility.
The formation of intergenerational pairs is at the heart of the Bras dessus Bras dessous model. The organization pairs an older person with a younger neighbor, taking into account each person’s availability, personality, and common interests.
This is not a professional support relationship, but rather a neighborly bond based on reciprocity. The individuals decide together how they want to nurture this relationship: chatting over coffee, going for a walk, sharing an activity, or simply spending time together. The goal is to gradually foster a lasting relationship and help the older person rebuild a local social network.
Beyond the one-on-one pairings, Bras dessus Bras dessous seeks to build genuine, supportive neighborhood networks centered on older adults. The goal is for them to reclaim an active role in their neighborhood and develop multiple local relationships rather than relying on a single connection.
This approach also helps engage residents in issues related to aging and makes the fight against isolation among older adults a collective priority at the neighborhood level.