“I don’t want to be a burden” – The hidden weight of loneliness among the elderly.
The National Foundation for Elderly has released a press statement that cuts to the heart of an often-overlooked reality: many older people don’t just feel lonely, they feel like a burden. That feeling quietly stops them from reaching out, even when the need for connection is urgent. According to the National Elderly Survey 2025, one in five Dutch seniors (22%) experiences severe loneliness. In total, half of all respondents said they feel lonely to some degree. And yet, behind the statistics is a repeating refrain: “I don’t want to be in the way.”
Loneliness is not a choice
A second study, conducted with the support of Haystack Consulting, went further than numbers. Using Virtual Audiences for finding the explanation for the numbers, the voices of seniors became clear: they open up only when they feel safe, valued, and equal. They don’t want pity. They want reciprocity—moments where they can give as much as they receive. Because loneliness is not a choice, nor a weakness. It is often the result of subtle exclusion.
As Kirsten Andres, director of the National Foundation for Elderly, puts it: “We must show as a society that seniors belong. Not as a burden, but as people with stories, humor, and wisdom that matter.”
Small gestures, big impact
What actually helps? The research highlighted simple, human gestures:
- Being invited along – 31% of seniors said just being asked to join an activity would make a difference. A buddy system, where someone accompanies them the first time, eases the fear of walking in alone.
- Sharing moments of joy – 39% long for more gezelligheid, whether through a weekly call, a good chat, or simply being asked for their opinion.
- Local activities – 30% would benefit from more neighbourhood initiatives, provided they know what to expect and how long it lasts.
A week to connect
During the Week Against Loneliness, the Foundation launches a nationwide initiative with Greetz: anyone can send a free card via greetz.nl/nl/ouderenfonds. A short message can mean more than we think—it can spark a smile, or even an invitation to meet.
Beyond one week
The bigger picture is clear: loneliness is not just a private struggle, it is a social challenge. About 1.8 million seniors in the Netherlands feel lonely today, and with an aging population, this number is expected to rise. That’s why initiatives like the PlusBus, OldStars sports, and De Derde Helft continue to create safe and lasting meeting spaces.
Because in the end, it doesn’t take much to make a difference. A knock on the door. A phone call. A shared laugh. They’re not small things—they are lifelines.
About Virtual Audiences
Virtual Audiences are simulated user profiles built from real-world data and behavioural models. They behave like real consumers (complete with opinions, motivations, and cultural context) but are powered by AI. And, just as real people, they have varying opinions towards a subject depending on their ‘upbringing’ and belief system. Think of them as research participants you can interact with at any time.
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