Andorra la Vella Launches Project Radars to Detect Vulnerable Seniors Living Alone

Andorra la Vella has rolled out Project Radars, a pilot program to identify vulnerability and unwanted solitude among seniors living alone. Some 40 local businesses—pharmacies, hairdressers, and neighborhood stores—display project stickers and watch for disruptions in elderly customers' habits, such as absences or unusual behavior, then notify coordinators.

Inspired by a Barcelona initiative, the program shifted to its active phase last week following extensive training for merchants, volunteers, and care professionals. Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín and State Secretary Ester Cervós applied the first stickers at capital businesses on Tuesday. Ten government volunteers started weekly phone calls last Thursday from a ministry office, inquiring about daily life, food stocks, visitors, and wellbeing, with options for home visits if needed.

Volunteer Pere Balsa, 44, described a positive response, with seniors sharing personal stories about their lives in Andorra. "We offer a bit of companionship through talk and flag any concerns for coordinators," he said, citing examples of people unable to leave home.

Marín highlighted lengthening life expectancy and the risks of "invisible social isolation," where many seniors avoid seeking aid. "We'll know if something happens, so they aren't left vulnerable, alone, or cut off," she noted. Pharmacist Roser Miró welcomed the setup, saying it organizes informal vigilance with an official contact point for suspected risks.

Nationwide data from the government, communes, and AR+I identify 3,544 seniors living alone, including 325 reporting unwanted solitude—129 in Andorra la Vella and 24 in Sant Julià de Lòria. The database updates continuously.

The network is expanding: Sant Julià de Lòria holds a business meeting next week, a new parish agreement awaits cabinet approval, and Canillo follows soon. Elderly Federation president Fèlix Zapatero endorsed the effort, noting it addresses gaps in services like teleassistance and could aid remote areas such as Pal or Soldeu during long winters. Marín urged more businesses to participate.