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Combat Loneliness? Try the Chatty Checkout Line

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Cindy Walbridge

Dec 30, 2022

The Netherlands

Categories:

Senior Citizens, Loneliness, Health, Public Health, Conversation

The Indian Express newspaper (New Delhi, India), dated December 23, 2022, posted an interesting article. The article is about a Dutch supermarket chain that has found a novel way to combat loneliness with its patrons.


First, a little background to catch you up. Many health experts consider loneliness a health hazard on par with smoking and obesity. Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, once wrote, "Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity." The data shows that lonely people produce more stress hormones because they must rely entirely on themselves when they perceive or experience fear. The continued elevated stress levels increase inflammation in the body, making that person more receptive to serious health issues.


The British Government recently labeled loneliness an epidemic, with 20% (1 of every 5 people) in the UK admitting that they are chronically lonely. That is a higher rate than sexually transmitted diseases. In 2018, the British Government created a Loneliness Minister to develop and oversee a response to what is labeled a public health hazard.


Loneliness is real; it is painful and hurts us in many ways as individuals and as a society.


A 2019 survey by the Dutch Government found that some 1.3 million Dutch people over the age of 75, more than half of them said they regularly feel lonely. Based on that, they launched an initiative known as One Against Loneliness.


The largest grocery outlet in The Netherlands - Jumbo Markets, stepped up. They set up 200 slow checkout lanes for seniors or anyone needing a moment or two to chat. You need not worry that the person behind you who is huffing and puffing for you to hurry up. They have their own lanes.


The result? They are a success! Many seniors enjoy the slow checkout line and relish the conversation they can have with the cashier. We all like to feel like someone is listening, whether we are having a good day or a bad one.


Here is a quote from the Chief Executive Officer of Jumbo Markets putting into practice that... "it takes a village. 'Many people, the elderly in particular, can feel lonely. As a family business and supermarket chain we have a central role in society. Our shops are a meeting place and that means we can do something to combat loneliness. The Kletskassa (Chat Checkout) is just one of the things we can do."


Jumbo Chief Customer Officer Colette Cloosterman-Van Eerd said, "Because of the success of the Kletskassa (Chat Checkout), the markets have now set aside "chat areas" in their markets for seniors and others to meet and chat."


How can we use this idea to help our local communities and isolated, lonely residents? Do your supermarkets have "chat areas?" For example, tables where people can sit and have a cup of coffee? Would your supermarket try out a chat checkout? It could get them favorable publicity, help their public image and bring them more business. Could this idea work in other public places, such as libraries, hospitals, city halls, and community centers? You can always print out this article and show it to your local leaders. Bring it to your senior homes and ask if they would publicly support a request to create chat areas for seniors throughout your hometown. It is essential that chat areas are not isolated areas and, instead, integrated into the customer flow with sensitivity.


You can make a difference in the world, and it could increase the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable people. You will find that it can be mutually rewarding.


Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.

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Catalog #:

1222.107.01.123022

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