Belgian Groups Fight Senior Isolation with Postcards

Two Belgian associations, Accolage and Bras dessus Bras dessous, are running the “Bisous Groetjes” initiative to combat loneliness among seniors this summer. The project encourages people to send postcards to elderly individuals, offering a simple connection and reminder that they are thought of. Initiated in 2025, the program originated from recognizing that holidays and summer can be particularly difficult for those living alone.

Participants can either submit messages online to be handwritten on postcards, or write and send them directly using cards available at libraries and association locations. In 2025, the groups sent nearly 2,000 postcards.

Christiane Nys, a 90-year-old resident of Ganshoren, happily received a postcard featuring Brussels landmarks and now actively participates by writing cards herself. Accolage also maintains a weekly community space for seniors, providing another avenue for connection.