Breaking the solitude of our seniors: recognizing the signs of their isolation.

The chatty grandma at the supermarket, the neighbor glued to her window, or the grandfather faithful to his park bench... our elders are an integral part of our neighborhoods and daily lives. Yet, in the frenzy of our modern lives, they often find themselves alone facing heartbreaking solitude.

Our grandparents, our mothers, our fathers, these men and women who have lived and accomplished so much, are sometimes faced with a series of obstacles as they age: vision problems, hearing impairments, mobility difficulties, or loss of autonomy. Despite this, their needs for communication and companionship continue to grow.

So it's crucial to take the time to observe the signs of their loneliness, sometimes blatant and sometimes more discreet. Here are a few (simple) signs that may alert us to their presence:

• Curtains and shutters constantly drawn during the day: closed curtains in broad daylight can signal that the person prefers to remain withdrawn from outside life.
• A neglected garden: a messy garden may reflect the person's lack of outdoor activity.
• A lack of interest in local activities: if the person no longer participates in neighborhood events, it may indicate that they feel isolated.
• Signs of weight loss: poor nutrition can be a sign of a lack of social support.
• A lack of personal care: unkempt clothing or poor personal hygiene may indicate isolation.
• A lack of interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed: if the person no longer finds pleasure in their usual activities, this may indicate a feeling of loneliness.

By being attentive, we can offer valuable support to our elders and remind them that they are never alone.