Loneliness – The Hidden Challenge Among the Elderly

Many elderly people experience loneliness every single day. Even if they receive food, medication, and practical help, something important is often missing: time for a conversation, a hand to hold, and a sense of connection.

I remember well from my time working in nursing homes. We were often under pressure from management to focus on digital systems and patient registrations, but we rarely had time for what truly mattered: talking with the residents. Staff in elder care know how busy the days are – with too few colleagues on shift, the hours are filled with routines, hygiene, and morning care.

But in the middle of all this, something essential is easily forgotten: the need for human connection.

When Conversation Matters More Than Care

I often found that residents needed a good conversation more than a rushed morning routine. Sometimes I took an extra 10–15 minutes just to listen to them, even though I knew it would create frustration among colleagues. Many times, I ended up eating lunch alone because I had chosen to prioritize my patients first.

For me, the job was never only about tasks and routines. It was about giving – skills, empathy, and safety – and receiving love and respect in return from patients and their families.

The Big Impact of Small Gestures

I have seen with my own eyes how even a short visit can change an entire day. A smile. A cup of coffee. A simple “How are you today?”.

For relatives, a visit might feel short and insignificant. But for the resident, those ten minutes can mean everything. I have seen patients sleep more peacefully after a visit and wake up the next morning with a smile.

👉 That is why my message is simple: Find the time. Even a few minutes can mean the world to someone who is lonely.

💬 What do you think – why do we so often forget that loneliness is a real health problem?

— Tariq Khan

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