homes full of silence
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Scientists speak of an epidemic of loneliness. According to research, the level of loneliness among people over all age groups has increased over the years. This phenomenon is attributed to a change in social and cultural values that are reflected, for example, in a decrease in intergenerational cohabitation, longer working hours and the manifestation of cultural individualism. Especially elderly people living alone are affected by loneliness, as they can no longer actively participate in community life due to physical limitations, the death of their partner or the moving of relatives. Loneliness is associated with a multitude of negative consequences. These are not only psychological and physical in nature, but also affect the functionality of communities and village- or city life. Such consequences can include heart disease, depression, suicide and premature death. In my photo series, I visited older people to talk with them about their life and feelings of loneliness.
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The stroke threw me completely off balance. I can't do anything. I can't go anywhere alone anymore. I always need someone to go with me.
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I'm just in the way there. I just feel unnecessary.
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I'd rather get up earlier. I got my newspaper, my coffee. It's the best time of the day for me, because it's quiet then. Because he can be very disgusting to me.
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And that's how you waste away, right? I spend the day watching television.
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When you are alone, you need some kind of company and you have to find some kind of activity, because alone you go crazy, don't you?
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I'm already separated from everyone. I don't want to go anywhere, I don't know... I feel like I don't fit in anywhere anymore.
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The old people prefer to sit at home in front of the television and the young are at work. You don't see anyone on the street anymore.
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People isolate themselves because they have to watch television.
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