The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (hereinafter: Ombudsman) organised a round-table today, 30 September 2025, at the Festival of the Third Age in Cankarjev dom, one day before the International Day of Older Persons. The round-table is entitled Loneliness among the Elderly – an overlooked epidemic of modern society: how to move forward? At the event, experts from the fields of medicine, public health, and social services and non-governmental organisations emphasised that loneliness is not merely a personal problem affecting individuals, but a serious public health and social issue. They highlighted that unlike certain other European countries, Slovenia has yet to form a comprehensive national strategy to combat loneliness or even systematically address the issue within other policy areas, even though loneliness among the elderly and even beyond is being increasingly recognised as one of the most pressing social issues. Existing measures are fragmented, project-based, and largely depend on non-governmental organisations or local initiatives.

In his introductory speech, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Ivan Šelih, who is temporarily leading the institution pending the appointment of a new Ombudsman, emphasised the importance of preventing long-term loneliness, which increases the risk of mental distress and illnesses, while also posing a threat to basic human dignity. “When an elderly person loses the support of their community, the state has failed to fulfil its basic responsibility—the protection of human rights. It is time for society to reflect on whether we will allow systemic neglect to continue or ensure that every person experiences a sense of belonging and being heard,” said the Deputy Ombudsman.

The event was moderated by Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Dr Dijana Možina Zupanc, and featured Biserka Marolt Meden, Social activities adviser to the President of the Republic of Slovenia and former President of Srebrna Nit, a society campaigning for dignified old age, Vijola Bertalanič, President of the Programme Council of the Starejši za starejše programme of the Association of Pensioners' Associations of Slovenia, Valerija Lekič Poljšak, Director of the Črnomelj Senior Citizens’ Home and President of the Association of Social Institutions of Slovenia, Assoc. Prof. Dr Olivera Stanojević Jerković, MD, Public Health Specialist, Head of the interdisciplinary group for mental health of the elderly, working within the Mira Programme at the National Institute of Public Health, Prof. Dr Zvezdan Pirtošek, MD, Neurologist and Chair of Neurology at the Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine and long-time head of the Clinical Department of Nervous System Diseases at the University Hospital Centre in Ljubljana, and Nadja Čobal, MA, Head of the Department for Mental Health and Dementia at the Ministry of Health.

The participants agreed that an increasing number of the elderly in Slovenia are facing loneliness, especially those without a social network or experiencing health problems. It is estimated that long-term loneliness carries risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and may lead to depression, anxiety, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. The discussion raised several questions about how to systematically tackle loneliness, the obstacles posed by stigma and limited funding, and how the country could better support informal actors such as volunteers, pensioners’ associations, and non-governmental organisations.

Deputy Ombudsman Dr Dijana Možina Zupanc stated that loneliness should be understood as a consequence of social structures that too often fail to provide opportunities for social connectedness and equality. “Long-term loneliness can constitute a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to dignity, security, and healthcare. This is why tackling loneliness is not merely a matter of an individual’s goodwill, but a responsibility of the state to ensure conditions for dignified, active, and inclusive ageing,” she stated. Dr Možina Zupanc also noted that the institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia is working towards the earliest possible adoption of the International Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, which would recognise older people as a significant vulnerable group and assign states a more proactive role in preventing discrimination, neglect, and abuse. The round-table participants stressed that loneliness among older adults is increasing in Slovenia and that decisive action is needed. They agreed that tackling loneliness is not merely a matter of goodwill, but a moral and legal duty of the state. This concerns the protection of human rights, the right to health, and dignified ageing. Slovenia requires a comprehensive, cross-ministerial, and long-term approach. Following best practices means joining the countries that have already developed national strategies for preventing loneliness and promoting social cohesion. This was also one of the main takeaways from the round-table.

At the Festival, the Ombudsman is also present with an exhibition stand, where visitors can speak with the Ombudsman’s expert staff about possible violations of their human rights, learn about the institution’s mission, obtain information on when and how to seek assistance, or simply enjoy a friendly conversation about the work of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia.