Lifestyle
Three-quarters of older people feel they are a burden to society: 'As if I should be ashamed for still being here'
New data from the National Senior Citizens Survey reveals that nearly three-quarters of Dutch seniors perceive themselves as a burden, with almost half reporting feelings of loneliness. The study, involving 628 participants aged 65 and older, highlights negative societal perceptions where older individuals feel they no longer matter. Lotte Schokking of the National Senior Citizens Fund describes these reactions as distressing, noting that political discourse often focuses on care costs and limitations rather than the contributions seniors make as volunteers or caregivers. Additionally, 83 percent of respondents desire a dedicated minister for senior policy. To address isolation, which is attributed to low energy and health issues, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has launched the Week Against Loneliness, encouraging small gestures like phone calls or coffee meetings to foster social connection.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's