Overview

• Rising demand in Murcia since 2020 has spurred the decade-old Fundación 'la Caixa' initiative to expand individualized support for older adults facing unwanted loneliness.
• The program’s neighborhood-based delivery in Murcia relies on local partners such as Cruz Roja and the City Council across districts including San Juan, La Catedral, Santa Eulalia, San Lorenzo and San Bartolomé.
• An internal assessment reports notable short-term gains within six months for most participants, with over 80% increasing confidence, 85% better understanding their emotions and 95% of those initially unwell improving their emotional state.
• Program coordinators caution that the severity of loneliness among older people is deepening even as awareness grows and more individuals seek help.
• Beyond Murcia, the initiative operates in 13 Spanish territories plus Lisbon and Porto, mobilizes 200+ professionals and 260 volunteers, has run 540 community activities reaching 12,000 people this year, and is promoting awareness through experiences such as “La llamada de la soledad.”