How one nursing home is tackling loneliness by pairing seniors with students

WHEN we think of nursing homes, we often picture quiet halls, a sub-dued atmosphere, and a world sepa-rated from the bustling lives of younger generations.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

As we grow older, we inevitably face the cycle of life loss, change, and, for many, the harsh reality of becom-ing invisible. It's something often felt but rarely talked about. You may walk down a street, pass by people, and notice that no one makes eye contact or offers a simple smile. It’s as if you no longer exist in their world.

Loneliness and isolation in the elderly aren't just emotional struggles. They're silent threats to well-being. As people grow older, they lose loved ones, their social circles shrink, and their roles in society shift.

Retirement, empty nests, and health issues all of these changes can lead to feeling alone, forgotten, and discon-nected. According to global studies, isolation is linked to higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, and even heart disease. And yet, we don’t talk about it enough. However, a ground-breaking initiative in the Netherlands is redefining this narrative. The Human-itas retirement home in Deventer has created an innovative solution to tackle loneliness among the elderly while offering university students a unique living arrangement, rent-free apart-ments in exchange for companionship.