Ageing and Health

Demographic change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Worldwide, the proportion of elderly people is growing faster than ever before. This is a huge burden on healthcare systems, social security schemes and labour markets. Chronic and age-related illnesses, including eye conditions, are on the rise, placing increasing pressure on those affected and their families.

Many countries are no longer able to meet the growing demand for medical care, long-term care and social support. At the same time, falling birth rates, a shortage of skilled workers, the exodus of young people and changing family structures mean that fewer young people are available to care for the elderly.

Left behind and without resources

In lower-income regions such as eastern Europe or central and southern Asia, many people migrate to cities or abroad in search of work. The elderly are left behind, many lonely and left to fend for themselves. Often, they have no pension, or it isn’t enough to cover their living expenses. In rural areas in particular, healthcare provision is often poor: hospitals or care homes are hard to reach.

Relatives at breaking point

Throughout the world, a large proportion of the elderly population suffers from one or more chronic illnesses. Most would like to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. Many of those affected find it difficult both to obtain the right support and to accept to receive it. As a result, the burden of care often gradually falls on their relatives, who are left to cope alone with changing roles, stressful situations and administrative issues.

Isolated and alone

Many elderly people around the world sense they are a burden on their families. They feel useless and receive little social recognition or appreciation. As a result, they withdraw, their faculties deteriorate further, and they suffer from loneliness.

Our projects and the services we provide cover a wide range of areas, from medical care to activities and support for everyday living. All these elements are designed to enable older people to live healthy and autonomous lives.

Care at home and help with the housework

Nurses regularly visit patients to ensure continual medical care. In our mission countries, such as Armenia, Georgia, North Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, nurses take care of patients in their own homes, measuring blood pressure or blood sugar levels, administering medication and helping with personal hygiene. Domestic helpers and Red Cross volunteers take care of housework, grocery shopping or keeping isolated people company. The SRC helps public authorities and partner organizations to develop new care and support models, together with funding options.

Healthy eyes at any age

Good eyesight is essential for education, employment, social participation and an independent life. The Red Cross works in various countries in Africa and Asia, providing eye care and educational campaigns. The aim is to help people regain their eyesight and maintain their eye health well into old age.

Staying active in later life

The SRC helps set up senior citizens’ social clubs in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moldova, Armenia, Bolivia, Nepal, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso. These are spaces where elderly people can meet up regularly for activities, such as games, dancing and singing. The clubs help break the isolation that many elderly people experience. They learn how to use their resources in new ways, support each another, and work together to defend their interests and rights with the authorities. This way, they can improve their own lives and those of the people around them.

Volunteers visit lonely people

Volunteers visit lonely people in their homes. They might have a chat over a cup of tea or go for a walk together. In this way, volunteer befrienders bring some variety and cheer into people’s everyday lives. The cantonal associations act as intermediaries.

Help with transport

Elderly people can remain mobile thanks to the Red Cross driver service. Volunteers drive elderly and sick people to the doctor’s or to their therapist appointments. All drivers are volunteers. There is a small charge to cover the volunteer’s expenses (fuel costs). The driver service can be booked over the phone or, at some cantonal associations, even online.

Support for family carers

We provide advice and support for family caregivers in Switzerland. Caring for relatives can be an emotional rollercoaster as carers are faced with uncertainties and new challenges. The Red Cross cantonal associations offer support services for family carers. The booklet on redcross.ch/betreuenOpens a new window (in German) provides information and answers to important questions about caring for a loved one.

The SRC works to support the health of older people in Switzerland and countries in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Thanks to local volunteers, we also reach people in remote villages.