Andorran Seniors Await Details on Adapted Barcelona Radars Anti-Loneliness Program

The Andorran Association of Senior Citizens is awaiting details on how the government plans to adapt Barcelona's Radars project to tackle unwanted loneliness among the elderly, with a meeting scheduled for next Monday at noon.

Association president Fèlix Zapatero said the session at government offices would clarify "exactly what is planned" and allow the group to contribute as representatives of older residents. He stressed the need to assess Barcelona's approach before identifying elements suitable for Andorra, noting that a full replication is not feasible. "The situation in Barcelona is not comparable to ours," Zapatero said, highlighting Andorra's small size and existing community networks.

He pointed to informal monitoring systems already in place, including neighbourhood watch, home care services, the Red Cross, and pharmacies. "If I stop going to the pharmacy, they call me," he explained, describing this as a natural community vigilance. Zapatero also downplayed the prevalence of extreme cases, such as elderly individuals with dementia, limited mobility, and no family support. "There are very few like that in the whole country—maybe five at most—and they are usually in specialised centres," he added.

The association sees potential value in Radars if properly tailored, but wants full details on the adaptation. Launched by Barcelona City Council's social services in 2008, the programme builds a network of neighbours, shops, pharmacies, volunteers, and professionals to spot risks for seniors living alone. Alerts trigger social services intervention, regular phone check-ins, and community activities to combat isolation and boost social ties. In Barcelona, where over 20% of residents are aged 65 or older and 40% of those over 85 live alone, it aims to improve health and wellbeing through better coordination.

Andorra formally joined in October 2025 via a convention signed by State Secretary for Social Affairs Ester Cervós and Barcelona's deputy mayor for social rights, Raquel Gil. The rollout involves volunteers, parish coordination, and an initial analysis of local elderly needs. Technical meetings and visits from Barcelona experts have been ongoing for months, but Zapatero expects the Social Affairs department to refine the model for Andorran realities.

The association declined to comment on Housing Minister Conxita Marsol's recent co-housing proposal for seniors, citing a lack of specifics. "We need to know the parish, prices, and access conditions," Zapatero said. "Without details, it's just talk." He dismissed direct parallels to co-working models as inappropriate.