Ageing and Health

People are living for longer. This poses significant challenges, both for the individuals concerned and for society as a whole. At the same time, the birth rate is also falling in many countries.

In less affluent regions such as Eastern Europe or Central Asia, for example, large numbers of people are moving to the cities or abroad for work, leaving older people behind. Many are lonely and have no one to help them. Too old to work, they often sink into poverty. In many cases healthcare provision in rural areas is also poor, with hospitals or retirement homes being very difficult to access.

In Switzerland, the majority of elderly people suffer from one or more chronic illnesses. Most want to stay at home for as long as possible. However, many find it difficult to get and accept the right support to do so. Family members then often find themselves gradually taking on a caring role. This can mean that relatives are left on their own to deal with shifting roles, stressful situations and administrative tasks.

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.

Medical care

Trained nursing staff visit people regularly and ensure they receive medical care. In countries where we are active such as Moldova, Armenia and Bosnia, care assistants carry out a range of tasks in patients‘ homes, from helping with washing and administering medication through to measuring blood pressure or checking blood sugar levels. Home helps and Red Cross volunteers help with day-to-day domestic tasks, go shopping or provide companionship to those living on their own. The SRC assists agencies and partner organizations in the development of new care and support models as well as funding modalities.

Active ageing

The SRC is supporting older people in Moldova and Armenia by setting up seniors clubs where they can join in regular communal activities such as knitting or singing. The clubs help to break down the social isolation that many suffer from. They learn to use their resources in new ways, provide mutual support and join together to lobby agencies about their rights and issues that affect them. They can thus improve their own circumstances and those of the community themselves.

Helping neighbours

Helping neighbours is also important. Older people who are still fit help and support their less able neighbours. Assisting others also boosts their own self-worth and they are happy being able to give something back to society.

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. In Switzerland, contacts and visits are organized regionally via the Red Cross cantonal associations.

Help with transport

The Red Cross transport service helps older people get around. Volunteer drivers take older or infirm people to medical or therapy appointments. All drivers are volunteers. There is a small charge to cover the volunteer’s expenses (fuel costs).

Support for family carers

We provide advice and support to people caring for family members. 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 national website betreuen.redcross.chOpens a new window provides information and answers to key questions about caring for and supporting relatives.

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.