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Published on: 16/06/2020Updated on: 16/06/2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the most vulnerable people hard, particularly the elderly. While the health crisis highlighted the efforts of healthcare workers—who deserve our tribute—it also exposed elderly people's lack of visibility in our society. Many studies show that French people primarily prefer to age at home. The senior market is booming, but what about those left behind? What care for people with cognitive disorders? What support for advanced age in the coming years?
2.3 Million Dependent People by 2060
According to DREES, the number of dependent elderly people should double between 2010 and 2060, from 1,150,000 to 2,300,000 in France. Last December, Agnès Buzyn, then Minister of Solidarity and Health, raised the alarm: "In 2030, meaning tomorrow, we'll reach a first tipping point where those over 65 will outnumber those under 15." Today's priority isn't extending lifespan but improving aging people's quality of life.
Home Support, a Major Societal Challenge
"I've been happy in this house and can't imagine going elsewhere." In one sentence, Georgette Chaverot, 87, perfectly summarized 83% of French people's wishes[1]. But why are we so attached to our homes? The answer lies in three words: freedom, familiarity, and identity. A home is a living space, a sharing space filled with memories. We feel comfortable and confident there; we have our habits and references. This sense of attachment develops over time and becomes anchored within us. Thus, like increasing numbers of elderly people, Georgette chose to stay home as long as possible. This question of home support is central to the "Advanced Age and Autonomy" bill, which, after being postponed, should return to the political agenda in 2021.
Domestic Work Sector on the Front Line
Currently, 700,000 individual employers over 70 use domestic employees, representing 21% of sector employers, to meet their support needs[2]. What about tomorrow? The domestic work sector must absorb much of the coming demographic shock. Personal carers play a vital role in maintaining dependent elderly people at home. Take Georgette's example. Thanks to Valérie Charbonnièras (among others), a personal carer supporting her daily, she can continue living at home among her memories. Over time, they've developed a beautiful relationship, where Georgette "shares a lot" with someone she considers a "ray of sunshine." A particularly special and meaningful working relationship.
At a time of disruption and a very uncertain future, giving visibility to elderly people and their carers is crucial. This is the meaning behind 150 personalities from all horizons signing, on May 26 in Le Monde, a "Manifesto for a Longevity Revolution," urging public authorities and society broadly to "shift gears in advanced age support."
[1] FEPEM survey, SCA Home, a Citizen Issue? Conducted May 2016.
