Dutch Jumbo Supermarket in Vlijmen come up with a unique idea to help people who are fighting with loneliness among the elderly with a Chatter Checkout and special Coffee Corner.
In the Netherlands (and in many other countries) loneliness among elderly people is very common. According to research, about 50% of people 55 years and older, face this problem.
So, Dutch local Jumbo Supermarket in Vlijmen launched two great initiatives, which known as “All Together Coffee Corner” and a “Chat Checkout”.
The 94-year-old Christien Smits and Dutch Minister Hugo de Jonge officially launched the All Together Coffee Corner. The aim is to create a meeting point where elderly people can meet locals and volunteers of the “Alles Voor Mekaar” Foundation.
The Foundation, which is dependent on local volunteers, has been experimenting for one year and got a huge success. They bring volunteers and lonely elderly together. The volunteers help out by doing shopping, lending a hand in the garden, etc.
The Jumbo in Vlijmen wanted to create a positive and happy atmosphere and hosts the All Together Coffee Corner. But that is not where their contribution ends…
The supermarket business introduces more and more technology to cut costs and push consumers towards self-service.
By letting customers scan their shopping themselves and then pay at a self-service counter, we have less and less human interaction. Jumbo Supermarket changing this trend, and play a positive role in the fight against loneliness.
After the official opening of the Chat Checkout and “All Together Coffee Corner”, Alexander van Weert (initiator) has high expectations.
“We will regularly visit the Coffee Corner to get into contact with those who need some support. Just looking out for each other.” Liesbeth Geveling is already a supporter and volunteer. Every week she visits the 94-year-old Christien Smits.
“I go and have a drink with her or do some shopping, we’ve become real buddies.”