The Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, home to over 300,000 residents aged 60 and over, is actively working to combat senior isolation. This number is projected to exceed 400,000 by 2035. To address the economic hardships and feelings of loneliness affecting some seniors, particularly in working-class neighborhoods, various initiatives are being implemented to enhance their daily lives.
A recent report by the association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, released in early October, highlights the mobility challenges faced by seniors, revealing that reduced mobility often leads to profound loneliness. During a presentation to nearly 200 professionals, representatives from the association emphasized these difficulties, despite the existing transport and service offerings in Île-de-France. A study by CSA Research, surveying 1,824 individuals, was also presented, followed by recommendations supported by the Department.
Nationwide, over 3 million people experience isolation due to limited mobility. A million of them walk less than 15 minutes daily, do not drive, or do not use public transport. « Pain or illness create a gradual process of giving up, leading in extreme cases to a form of house arrest, » explains Maud Féral, regional director of Les Petits Frères des Pauvres.
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, active in Seine-Saint-Denis for 26 years, regularly organizes home visits, holiday stays, and workshops on accessing rights. Mobile bus services inform isolated or precarious individuals over 50 about housing access issues. The department's 280 volunteers also coordinate activities in apartment buildings with social landlords.
As a leader in social action, the Department also promotes the well-being and mobility of seniors. The carte Améthyste allows them to use all public transport lines (bus, metro, RER, tramways, trains) in Île-de-France with 90% of the annual pass cost covered. Additionally, the chèque taxi allocation subsidizes travel for those unable to use public transport due to health conditions.
Numerous initiatives are in place for seniors interested in leisure or civic engagement, such as the carte Ikaria, benefiting over 35,000 residents of Seine-Saint-Denis. Since 2022, 34 inclusive housing projects have been established, and the Maison Départementale de l’Autonomie et des Aidants (MDAA) provides support. In 2019, 24,126 inhabitants received the personalized autonomy allowance.
The Department and its partners also fund 21 third-places labeled Autonomie in Seine-Saint-Denis, with 15 already operational. These open spaces offer collective activities (creative, sports, digital workshops) and mutual aid services, with a focus on seniors, people with disabilities, and their families. « People who attend our workshop and canteen benefit from encounters, debate evenings, museum outings, leisure activities, and gym or health prevention workshops, » adds Antonin Langlen, director of the associative café Pas si loin.
A dance event is scheduled for seniors benefiting from the Ikaria card on Saturday, October 10th, at the Pulse in Saint-Denis. During this festive occasion, stands will showcase the various initiatives implemented in the territory to support their well-being.
