All over the world senior’s life expectancy is continuing to increase highlighting the advancement in medicine, living conditions, and more. In the landscapes of Switzerland, seniors are not only enjoying the nature of their surroundings but also embracing a fulfilling and emotionally balanced life. As the country’s life expectancy continues to rise with the average life expectancy being 82 years for men and 86 years for women, it is important to take care of the emotional well-being among its senior citizens. Switzerland is named one of the top places for people to grow old due to the strong sense of community, access to quality healthcare, and a culture that cherishes its elderly population. This article will speak about the effective ways that Swiss seniors have developed over time to take care of their emotional well-being through the perspective of a 16-year-old female who is a Swiss resident.
I’ve noticed that seniors find maintaining strong social connections and embracing them is very important and is an effective way of taking care of one’s emotional wellbeing. The Swiss society places great importance on family bonds and community involvement creating activities similar to what Samarth does to engage seniors. Swiss Seniors often participate in local clubs, interest groups, and community events, which not only provide opportunities for social interactions but also foster a sense of belonging and purpose, as well as having weekly Sunday brunches with their family if they live independently. When walking around I see that seniors who live independently also like to adopt an animal such as a cat to keep them company, as they aren’t a lot of work. These connections serve as essential emotional support networks, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation that can sometimes be associated with aging.
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Swiss seniors are aware of the benefits of an active lifestyle not just for physical health but also for emotional well-being, thus they try to engage in regular physical activity. When outside I see lots of seniors taking walks or gardening outside. This promotes a positive mood and reduces stress due to it releasing endorphins also known as the happy hormone. Many seniors like to take advantage of the country’s beautiful natural surroundings by embarking on leisurely walks or taking part in group fitness activities. This not only contributes to keeping seniors physically fit but also mentally. Maintaining an active lifestyle also allows seniors to stay independent and confident in their abilities, contributing to a positive self-image and emotional resilience.
In Switzerland, I observed that seniors constantly want to keep learning even after retirement, as they’re seen in a lot of historical museums or workshops. To do this they actively seek opportunities for lifelong learning, which play a significant role in keeping their minds sharp and emotions fulfilled. Various community centers and educational institutions in Switzerland offer classes, workshops, and cultural events tailored to the interests of seniors. From art classes to language courses and historical lectures, seniors have a variety of options to feed their curiosity and stay engaged with the world around them.
It is well known that Switzerland’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standard of care, and this extends to its senior population. It is advised that seniors make sure they get regular medical check-ups and access to preventive care to ensure that health issues are addressed promptly, which lots of seniors do, as I’ve seen them in hospitals or at the doctors. Additionally, mental health is taken seriously, with seniors having access to specialized counseling and support services when needed, which are provided by the government. There is also a large amount of assisted living centers that seniors can go to if they are living independently without any family in the region.
I’ve seen that Swiss society holds its elderly population in high regard, reflecting a culture that values the wisdom and experiences of its seniors. This sense of respect and appreciation enhances the emotional well-being of seniors, instilling a positive self-perception and promoting a sense of purpose in their contributions to society. When taking walks, I see that many people take a second to say hello to seniors including myself. As a result, seniors feel valued and included, reducing feelings of social marginalization and contributing to a greater sense of contentment and emotional fulfillment. The Swiss government also makes sure that facilities which the public can use are inclusive to all senior citizens. An example of this is public transport, where it is ensured that anyone can ride the public transport regardless of a disability or any other factor. On trams or buses, there is a door made for people with walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers, where all you need to do is press a button and the driver comes and opens a ramp for you to be able to roll on, making it easy and accessible to everyone.
Swiss seniors have embraced these ways when it comes to caring for their emotional well-being. Through strong social connections, an active lifestyle, ongoing intellectual pursuits, access to quality healthcare, and a society that cherishes their presence, it could be said they have a fulfilling and meaningful life. Switzerland’s seniors serve as a shining example of how emotional well-being is nurtured and cherished in a society that values its elderly population, and I personally think is a great example for other countries to see how.
