Elgoibar Lagunkoia, comprising entities such as the Elgoibar Senior Citizens' Meeting Point, Nagusilan, Duintasuna, and the Elgoibar City Council, along with individuals of various ages and profiles, has worked throughout 2026 on the issue of unwanted loneliness, with a particular focus on the elderly. The initiative seeks to promote leisure and educational group activities to raise awareness about unwanted loneliness and foster friendship bonds among all citizens, paying special attention to the elderly and those at risk of isolation.
According to data from the State Observatory of Unwanted Loneliness, approximately 20% of the population in Spain currently suffers from unwanted loneliness, and nearly half have experienced it at some point. In the Basque Country, this figure stands at 14.5%, and among those over 75 years old, around 20% are in this situation. Elgoibar Lagunkoia has highlighted that unwanted loneliness is often linked to life circumstances such as family or work losses, changes in environment, health issues, or lack of opportunities for socialization. Furthermore, its taboo nature makes it difficult for many individuals to acknowledge it or seek help.
The group stated, "The issue is not just about confronting loneliness, but about creating connections between people and strengthening collective well-being." Therefore, they have scheduled a pilot campaign under the slogan "ELKARREKIN BIDEAN, HARREMANAK SORTUZ" (Together on the path, creating relationships).
The program includes several events: a film forum titled "When Connections Matter. Shared Reflection" led by Olaia Arana, on September 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Hall of the Aita Agirre Kulturgunea. Following this, a talk-discussion "Loneliness and the Meaning of Shared Life" also with Arana, on September 24, 2026, at the same time and location. Finally, a walk "Together on the path, creating relationships" is organized for October 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Elgoibar Senior Citizens' Meeting Point, to offer an easy space for conversation, getting to know each other, and building relationships in a friendly atmosphere.
These informal gatherings are designed to facilitate relationship building and reduce situations of isolation, particularly among the elderly. Elgoibar Lagunkoia invites all citizens to participate in these activities.
