One in five people in Spain face unwanted loneliness

One in five people in Spain face unwanted loneliness: a campaign group wants local risk maps to identify those most at risk. Ahead of the 29 November general election, the Association Against Loneliness has sent its proposals to every parliamentary spokesperson in Congress. The group delivered the document in Madrid this week.

Loneliness is not confined to older people

The association says 14.6% of people over 65 experience unwanted loneliness, compared with 20% across Spain’s population. It also points to young people, people without a home, people with disabilities, women supporting families on limited incomes, carers without a break and those who have lost close social or emotional ties.

Local maps could guide support

The group wants regional, municipal and neighbourhood plans built around maps showing who faces the greatest risk of isolation or social neglect in each area. Local organisations, shops and nearby services could help spot needs, it says, so support can focus on the groups most affected.

It also calls for a fairer sharing of care work at home and beyond, and for long-term action rather than short-lived projects that only offer immediate help. Its other proposals include treating care work as productive work, tackling loneliness in sparsely populated parts of Spain, involving businesses more and making cities more inclusive.

Topics: Social affairs

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com