According to Maria João Valente Rosa, a professor at the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCSH/UNL), it is crucial for individuals to consistently form new friendships and relationships beyond those they already have, such as with neighbors or acquaintances from the local pharmacy. She emphasized that maintaining these connections throughout one’s life is essential, as neglecting them might result in isolation, where no one notices or misses an individual’s absence.
The sociologist shared these insights in light of recent statistics released by the Public Security Police (PSP), which reported that in the last three years, 757 elderly individuals have died alone at home in urban centers across the country.
Highlighting that older adults often find themselves alone because their peers have passed away, Valente Rosa advises today’s adults to cultivate connections with younger generations to avoid unwanted social isolation in the future.
In addition to regularly building social ties, the university professor suggests that individuals stay active and assess whether their living conditions might present significant challenges when attempting to leave their homes in the future.
Valente Rosa further asserts the need to reevaluate public spaces and transportation systems to accommodate older individuals, those with health issues, and people with reduced mobility.
“Public spaces, especially in cities, aren’t particularly friendly for older adults with health challenges, starting with sidewalks. The process of accessing public transportation may be straightforward for those without mobility issues, but for someone with mobility limitations, it can be daunting,” she explains.
The socióloga also proposes the development of technological systems to alert the PSP when necessary. She points out that while today’s elderly population was taken by surprise by the increased life expectancy, future generations are already aware of their potential longevity in a societal context characterized by fewer children and a reliance on virtual relationships.
“It’s crucial to identify the root causes of these unfortunate situations to prevent their recurrence. By addressing these causes, we can avoid the negative outcomes,” she reiterates.
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