The aging of the global population is an increasing reality, posing unprecedented challenges for our societies. By 2050, the global population of individuals aged 60 and older is expected to double, reaching 2.1 billion, or one in five people. Considering this phenomenon, the social isolation of older adults is becoming a major concern, with significant political, social, and economic impacts.
Global Aging in Numbers
Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of people aged 60 and older in the global population is expected to nearly double, from 12% to 22%.
In 2020, the number of individuals aged 60 and older surpassed that of children under five.
The number of people aged 80 and older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million.
Latin America and the Caribbean are aging faster than any other region. The population in this region is expected to peak around 2058, with approximately 767.5 million inhabitants. By 2050, one in five people in Latin America will be over 65. [1]
Factors Behind Global Aging
Improved living conditions have a significant impact on aging, influencing both life expectancy and the quality of life of older individuals. Key aspects of this impact include:
- Increased Life Expectancy
Advances in health, nutrition, and living conditions have led to longer life expectancy worldwide. Access to quality healthcare, balanced nutrition, and safer living environments has reduced infant mortality and increased longevity.
- Reduction in Chronic Diseases
Better living conditions have also reduced the prevalence of chronic illnesses. Improved nutrition, access to preventive medical care, and healthier environments have decreased the incidence of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses, enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
- Promotion of Active Aging
Improved living conditions have encouraged the concept of active aging in certain countries. This includes promoting physical activity, social engagement, and lifelong learning. Older adults who remain physically and socially active tend to enjoy better physical and mental health.
- Declining Fertility Rates
The decline in fertility and the aging population are closely linked phenomena with significant implications for societies worldwide. In Latin America, the fertility rate has significantly decreased over recent decades. For example, in 2000, the average fertility rate was 2.61 children per woman. By 2023, this figure had dropped to approximately 1.84 children per woman. Some countries, like Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Cuba, have even lower rates, around 1.5 children per woman. [2]
While these factors increase life expectancy and improve overall health, the consequences of aging are significant and not always positive. Populations, governments, and public and private actors must adapt to this demographic evolution.
Consequences of Aging
The aging population has major repercussions on social and healthcare systems. Older individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia. This leads to higher healthcare costs and requires adaptations in public policies to ensure suitable healthcare services and retirement systems. Beyond the cost of aging, the social isolation of older adults is becoming a major challenge for societies worldwide. According to the French Economic and Social Council, “Social isolation is the situation where a person, due to a persistent lack of sufficient or quality relationships, experiences suffering and danger.” Insufficient relationship quality results in a lack of recognition, security deficits, and hindered participation in social life.
In Northern societies, such as Europe and North America, the social isolation of older adults is often linked to factors like loss of autonomy, the death of loved ones, and geographical distance from family. Modernization and urbanization have also contributed to the fragmentation of traditional family structures, leaving many older adults to live alone. In France, a study by the association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres revealed that in 2023, “530,000 older individuals suffer from ‘social death,’ meaning they have no family, friendly, professional, neighborhood, or community interactions.” [3] Other studies how that social isolation can double the mortality rate among the elderly. It is often compared to well-known health risks, such as smoking. Indeed, studies show that social isolation can have as serious an impact on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.[4]
In less developed regions, there are significant inequalities in the way older people benefit from improvements in health and education. While some older people are healthy or well and economically active, others live with illness or in extreme poverty. In these countries, systemic disadvantages are reinforced throughout people’s lives, leading to yawning disparities at advanced ages.
In the countries of the South, the social isolation of the elderly is of particular concern. These countries are often less prepared to cope with rapid demographic ageing. The infrastructure and social services needed to support the elderly are often inadequate. What’s more, eviction policies and forced migration linked to urban development exacerbate the situation, leaving many older people without family or community support. In some cultures, such as Africa and India, isolated elderly people may be accused of witchcraft. This may be due to local superstitions or beliefs that the elderly, especially those living alone, possess supernatural powers. These accusations exacerbate social isolation and lead to serious consequences, including violence and stigmatization.
In countries where the informal economy predominates and is the main economic driver, the ageing of the population raises particularly complex challenges. The absence of universal social protection and structured pension systems leaves older workers without a safety net when they are no longer able to participate in the economy. As a result, an aging person facing loss of autonomy or an inability to work can be perceived as a financial burden for families already in difficulty.
For many families living in the informal economy, caring for an elderly person requires time, energy and financial resources that they do not always possess. The costs associated with chronic or neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s, are often unaffordable. In the absence of appropriate public policies or institutional support, families are often left to face these challenges on their own. In some cases, misunderstanding or stigmatization of the mental or physical illnesses of the elderly, combined with the financial burden, can lead to attitudes of rejection or neglect.
Alzheimer’s, for example, is a disease that is often poorly understood, particularly in rural areas or in communities where access to medical information is limited. The confusing behaviors or memory loss associated with this disease can be perceived as a form of “madness” or unpredictability, reinforcing the stigma. This rejection is not always the result of a lack of love or respect, but is often the result of a combination of economic despair, emotional exhaustion and a social system that does not sufficiently support families in their role as caregivers.
Citizen Mobilization as a Solution
In response to this challenge, citizen mobilization appears to be a promising solution for re-establishing social ties with isolated seniors. Indeed, faced with the growing isolation of many seniors, often aggravated by factors such as loss of autonomy, family estrangement or changing social structures, it is essential to develop solidarity initiatives. In this respect, the actions carried out by organizations such as the International Federation of Petits Frères des Pauvres perfectly illustrate the key role of community support and volunteer involvement. These initiatives are based on the creation of moments of conviviality, regular visits and telephone helplines, thus reinforcing social interaction and promoting personalized support.
By joining forces, associations play a crucial role in building solidarity networks capable of meeting the specific needs of the elderly. These networks not only break down isolation, they also help to restore a sense of belonging, value and dignity to the elderly. These actions help to revitalize the local social fabric and encourage citizens to become actively involved in creating more inclusive societies.
What’s more, these initiatives have an impact beyond direct relations with the elderly. They raise public awareness of the issue of social isolation, and draw the attention of political decision-makers to the urgent need for appropriate public policies. This includes developing specific support programs, facilitating access to meeting places, and training volunteers to meet the growing needs of the elderly. Citizen mobilization, in this sense, is proving to be a powerful lever for transforming mentalities, inspiring structural change and building a society with greater solidarity and respect for the most vulnerable generations.
Intergenerational cooperation, which lies in its ability to forge solid links between different generations, thus fostering mutual enrichment and greater social cohesion, is a very important part of this citizen mobilization. By bringing together older and younger people, whether children, teenagers or working adults, the associations of the Fédération Internationale des Petits Frères des Pauvres help to break down the social and cultural barriers that can accentuate the isolation of older people.
On the one hand, the elderly, faced with loneliness, find in these exchanges an opportunity to pass on their knowledge, experience and values. These interactions give them a sense of usefulness and recognition, thereby boosting their self-esteem. On the other hand, young people benefit from the wisdom and life stories of their elders, contributing to their personal development, open-mindedness and learning fundamental human values such as respect and gratitude.
Intergenerational projects, such as artistic and digital workshops, home visits and group lodging, create spaces conducive to encounters and exchanges. These initiatives also foster solidarity, demonstrating that each generation has something to offer the other. They deconstruct age-related prejudices and promote a positive image of the elderly in society.
At community level, intergeneration helps to revitalize social ties by involving families, schools, businesses and local authorities in joint projects. These dynamics not only strengthen seniors’ sense of belonging, but also inspire collective action to build a more inclusive and supportive society. In short, intergeneration is not just a tool to combat the isolation of the elderly, but also a genuine bridge between past, present and future, essential to creating lasting social harmony.
Conclusion
Through local initiatives such as volunteer networks, intergenerational activities and dedicated meeting places, it’s possible to forge strong bonds between individuals and strengthen older people’s sense of belonging. These concrete actions demonstrate that an inclusive society is based on the values of solidarity, respect and sharing. Committed organizations, such as those in the Petits Frères des Pauvres network, play a decisive role in catalyzing these initiatives, raising public awareness and advocating public policies adapted to the realities of aging.
Demographic change is also an opportunity to redefine our vision of social ties and question our priorities as a society. We need to put human dignity and the fundamental needs of individuals back at the center of our concerns. By responding to the isolation of the elderly, we are not only addressing a problem linked to age; we are also strengthening the foundations of a fairer society, where each generation finds its place and contributes to the collective equilibrium.
Ageing populations call for a change of outlook and concerted action. This means valuing the elderly as essential members of the community, bearers of a heritage rich in experience and wisdom. Building an inclusive society where seniors live fulfilled and connected to others means, above all, building a society that respects, supports and honors humanity in all its dimensions.
For almost 80 years, the Petits Frères des Pauvres association has been working to combat the isolation of the elderly and to invite all citizens to take their responsibility in building a society for all ages.
[1] https://shs.cairn.info/revue-population-et-avenir-2024-1-page-17?lang=es
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
[2] https://www.ined.fr/fr/publications/editions/population-et-societes/baisse-massive-de-la-fecondite-mondiale-en-20-ans-illustree-en-cartes/
[3] https://www.petitsfreresdespauvres.fr/sinformer/prises-de-position/mort-sociale-luttons-contre-laggravation-alarmante-de-lisolement-des-aines/
[4] https://sciencepost.fr/solitude-effets-aussi-dangereux-fumer-15-cigarettes-par-jour-sante/