Since last year, young people in civic service have been meeting the elderly in La Rochelle. A program set up by the Unis-Cité association, and which also concerns three towns in the Rochelle crown: Lagord, Nieul-sur-Mer and Dompierre-sur-Mer. Goal : fight against isolation which strike many seniors. According to the Fondation de France, loneliness affects 7 million people. The interest is also to arouse vocations for professions of old age, among young people who have chosen civic service precisely to think about their future. There are 12 this year, aged 18 to 19, to participate in this program. A paid commitment of 580 euros per month (for 30 hours of weekly investment).
One of these courtesy visits takes us to a building in Villeneuve-les-Salines. “Do you want to drink, young people?” Lemonade tour at Emile, almost 80 years old … 60 more than Marie and Sébastien (18 and 19), the young duo who come to see him every Wednesday. The meeting took place via the CCAS of La Rochelle: “I did not call on them, it is they who came, jokes Emile. They were right! I am … here!”
Fighting the digital divide
Emile takes the opportunity to tell his life story. His war in Algeria, traveling abroad at the wheel of his truck. “And they also bring us all the novelty. Me, I don’t go out much anymore because I can’t walk. And I realize that La Rochelle has changed enormously in no time. moreover not always very encouraging. “ Walks in the neighborhood, or even further afield, are also possible within the framework of this “Intergenerous” program.
Another important topic is the fight against the digital divide. “Last year, confinement requires, we all had to go digital, recalls Marion Chabane who coordinates this program for the Unis-Cité association. And it was an opportunity for young people to help the elderly to install videoconferencing tools, so that they can see their families. To help them get by on their phone or tablet. “ The association also seeks to organize meetings between elderly people, around “e-bowling”, a sport on a video game console. “Not for me !” promises Emile, who asks however only to be convinced.
Required training
The retiree is waiting for this visit all week, he who does not see his family. something to give pride to Sébastien: “to know that we are doing this to fight against isolation, that fundamentally it does good for the beneficiaries, that is also what motivates us! There is this exchange that we appreciate. For me too it ‘ is beneficial !” Sébastien has gained confidence, he who was very shy a few months ago, before committing to this civic service. One of the objectives of which is to give birth to vocations for professions of old age.
The Unis-Cité association also intends to provide these young people with basic training, give them some good reflexes, and allow them to take a step back. Because these visits are sometimes very engaging. “Some retirees don’t want to let them go!” underlines Marion Chabane. There can also be the confrontation with deaths. Are you retired, are you interested in this program? Know thatthere are still places. About ten are available in La Rochelle, and ten others in Nieul-sur-Mer.