Andorra Launches Project Radars to Combat Loneliness Among Seniors Over 75 Living Alone
Initiative starts in April with 50-60 vulnerable individuals in Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià de Lòria, using community networks of neighbours, businesses and volunteers for early detection and support.
Key Points
- Andorra launches Project Radars in April to combat loneliness among 50-60 seniors over 75 living alone in two parishes.
- Builds community networks of neighbors, businesses, volunteers for early detection of vulnerability signs.
- Inspired by Barcelona collaboration; expands nationwide with trained volunteers monitoring wellbeing.
- Targets ageing population where 16% are over 65, addressing 'invisible' isolation via awareness campaigns.
The Andorran Ministry of Social Affairs will launch Project Radars in early April to tackle unwanted loneliness among people over 75 living alone, starting with 50 to 60 individuals in Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià de Lòria.
Minister Trini Marín detailed the initiative on Tuesday with State Secretary Ester Cervós and Socio-Health Services head Montserrat Gil. Inspired by a late-2024 collaboration agreement with Barcelona City Council, the project builds community networks involving neighbours, proximity businesses like pharmacies, bakeries and hair salons, volunteers and professionals. These groups aim to spot vulnerability signs, such as changes in behaviour, foster trust through weekly volunteer calls, and link isolated seniors to social activities and support.
Gil noted that not all 1,775 people over 75 living alone nationwide require intervention, but the initial group offers a focused start. Volunteers—16 from home care services and five in training—will monitor wellbeing, alert authorities via a structured protocol, and connect cases to commune or government professionals. In Andorra la Vella, efforts target higher-risk areas including Mitjavila, Riberaygua, Prada Ramon and Ciutat de Valls, while risks appear more evenly spread in Sant Julià.
The programme will expand to Canillo and Ordino over the summer, followed by La Massana, Encamp and Escaldes-Engordany as parish surveys conclude. Official 2025 figures show 14,105 residents over 65—16% of the population—with 3,544 living alone. A survey of 4,454 seniors identified 325 who had felt lonely at some point.
Marín stressed that the effort complements existing social and health services by building community ties. Cervós highlighted Andorra's ageing population and "invisible" isolation, where many seniors hesitate to seek help. The ministry leads via the Radars Table, uniting officials, communes and volunteers to drive awareness campaigns, risk detection and inclusion efforts, including outreach at retirement homes and Sant Jordi bookmarks to recruit more participants.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- El Periòdic•
Fins a una seixantena de persones es beneficiaran inicialment del projecte Radars impulsat pel Govern a partir de l’abril
- Bon Dia•
El projecte Radars arrenca aquest abril a la capital i a Sant Julià de Lòria
- Diari d'Andorra•
El Projecte Radars acompanyarà una cinquantena de persones majors de 75 anys
- Altaveu•
Les trucades de seguiment de persones vulnerables del Projecte Radars començaran a l'abril