If there is one thing we all have in common, it’s the fact that growing older is our likely fate. Youth fades, and we all move into the twilight of our lives.

But for many older people, the world changes at a pace they can’t always follow. Sadly, instead of joining in on the moving world, they can find themselves adrift, lonely in this new chapter of their lives. 

With fewer chances to gather with others, and sometimes simply due to a lack of family nearby, shopping at a store can give older people a break in their days, a chance to see the world. However, even that can feel rushed, with little time to slow down, enjoy being with others. No one wants to feel like they are a nuisance to those that are busy.

One Netherlands-based grocery company, Jumbo, recognized this was an issue for their residents and decided to make grocery shopping more of a comfortable experience for the elderly. So they introduced a Japanese concept: chat checkout, or ‘Kletskassa’. 

The idea behind it began with understanding that the aging population needed a way to enjoy the experience so many young people take for granted. Older adults enjoy the time to be social with other shoppers, or the cashiers and stockers, instead of rushing in for a few things and leaving just as quickly.

An elderly woman pays for her grocery items. Photo by Jumbo

With a population of 1.3 million people over the age of 75, more than 33 percent have said that they feel lonely a fair amount of time, according to Statistics Netherlands. The chat checkout allows elderly customers to take their time while paying for their groceries, giving them a chance to talk with the cashier, bagger or other customers.

Jumbo, in alliance with the Dutch government’s ‘One Against Loneliness’ initiative, implemented these new lanes in all 700 of their stores. The program also included a section where residents, regardless of age, can relax and talk while having coffee. This allows not only seniors an additional chance for socialization, but for younger people to have time to relax and slow down, as well.

The original creator of this idea, physician Toshiaki Konno, came up with the idea and suggested it to a regional supermarket chain in Takizawa, Japan. A recent study showed that 29.5 percent of Japan’s population was 65 or older, and more than 12 million people are over the age of 80. 

Konno’s slow-lane concept is open once a week, for just a few hours. The stores have volunteers who assist customers with shopping and any other tasks they might need help with, as well as to offer simple companionship.

With more and more populations seeing an increase in aging residents, there is a definite need to focus on combating loneliness, while recognizing that all people need a chance to feel involved, seen and vital to a community.

Hopefully, more countries will begin to implement these initiatives. Because sometimes a simple conversation can lead to a society that learns not only from the present, but the past as well.

Source: My Positive Outlooks