Loneliness is more than just an unpleasant feeling.
Research shows that long-term isolation has a direct impact on seniors' health — increasing the risk of depression, heart disease, and even the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
That's why, back in 2018, the UK government introduced a Minister for Loneliness and began supporting programs with regular phone calls that bring seniors comfort and joy.
Here in the Czech Republic, too, it's becoming clear that even a simple phone call can change an entire day.

Open full article → https://www.proprarodice.cz/c/kdyz-samota-skodi-proc-obycejny-telefon-chrani-zdravi-i-pamet-2228

Loneliness as a Health Risk

Loneliness and social isolation rank among the greatest threats to the mental and physical health of older adults. A 2023 report by the British government states that nearly half of all adults (49%) feel lonely at least occasionally, with seniors being one of the most vulnerable groups.

Scientific studies further show that loneliness is not just about mood. It is associated with an approximately 40% higher risk of developing dementia among people who lack regular social contact over a long period (National Institute on Aging, USA).
In other words, loneliness harms not only the soul — but also the brain.

The Phone as a Lifeline

The Covid-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated how important it is to have communication channels that work even without personal contact.
The British Tackling Loneliness Annual Report 2023 confirmed that telephone conversations were a key tool in keeping seniors connected and reducing the effects of isolation.

A phone call thus became more than just a technical means of communication — it became a symbol of closeness and reassurance, a reminder that one has not been forgotten. And that meaning remains just as strong today.

The Power of Regularity

Psychologists emphasize that regularity is key.
When a senior knows the phone will ring at a certain time, it creates a sense of safety and daily rhythm.
This consistency is vital not only for emotional well-being but also for maintaining cognitive functions — regular conversation stimulates the brain and helps slow cognitive decline.

For people in the early stages of dementia, such routines are even more meaningful.
Repetition and a familiar voice can reduce anxiety and help with orientation in time.

Czech Reality vs. British Experience

The United Kingdom was the first country in the world to address loneliness head-on.
In 2018, it created the world's first Minister for Loneliness, sending a strong message that this issue has a profound social impact.
According to the Community Life Survey, 47% of UK adults feel lonely at times, and 7% experience loneliness regularly or constantly.

The Czech Republic does not yet have such a systematic approach, even though research shows a similarly serious situation.
A 2022 survey by STEM/MARK found that 25% of Czech seniors feel lonely, and among people over 80, this number rises to up to 40%.

It is important to distinguish between different levels of loneliness:

• Severe loneliness means people feel lonely almost constantly or very often, long-term, and without support from family or friends. This affects around 8% of Czech seniors.

• Moderate loneliness affects seniors who may not feel lonely all the time, but who often miss social contact — especially on ordinary days without visits or activities. This describes nearly one-third of seniors.

In short: 8% of seniors suffer from deep, long-term loneliness, while another 33% experience frequent, though milder, loneliness.

The British experience confirms that loneliness is not merely a personal issue but a societal challenge that can be addressed at the national level.
In the Czech Republic, civic initiatives play a crucial role — projects that grow from the community and bring seniors tangible support.
Voláme Srdcem is one of them.

Voláme Srdcem – Support for Seniors and Families

Voláme Srdcem is currently the only project of its kind not only in the Czech Republic but in all of Europe.
It offers seniors regular friendly phone calls from dedicated operators who often become part of their daily routine.
These calls bring comfort, joy, and the feeling that someone truly cares.

Importantly, the calls also help families.
The so-called "sandwich generation" — people caring for both their children and their aging parents — often struggle to balance work, home, and caregiving.
A regular call from a caring operator offers support for seniors and relief for their loved ones, who gain peace of mind knowing their parents are not forgotten, even when they cannot be there themselves.

What Can We Do?

Loneliness is not a minor issue — it is a condition that can lead to depression or dementia.
The British example shows that governments can actively support programs that reduce loneliness.
Until such systemic help exists here, it is in our hands to take the first step — to pick up the phone and remind someone close that they are not alone.

A regular phone call can be one of the simplest yet most valuable forms of prevention — whether it's for a parent, grandparent, or an elderly neighbor who might otherwise be left alone.

No one should have to carry loneliness alone.
You can call your parents, support your grandmother, or recommend our service to seniors around you.
Every small act helps — and together, we can make a big difference.

Sources:
nia.nih.gov
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
gov.uk
gov.uk
gov.uk