‘Zug 55 Plus’ population survey: scientific basis for the cantonal strategy on ageing
With almost 17,000 participants, the ‘Zug 55 Plus’ population survey provides the first comprehensive picture of the life realities of people aged 55 and over in the canton of Zug. The results show that satisfaction and engagement are high, but loneliness, information deficits and housing concerns remain key challenges.
93 per cent of Zug residents aged 55 and over who were surveyed are very or fairly satisfied with their lives. Individual resources are a decisive factor here: those who enjoy good health and have good social and economic conditions rate their own quality of life significantly higher. Conversely, people with limited resources tend to be less satisfied.
68 per cent of the older population are involved in voluntary work – whether in associations, organisations or through private support within the family environment. Voluntary work is widespread among the elderly, but declines significantly from the age of 85 onwards. Many respondents would like to continue their voluntary work in its current form. At the same time, it is clear that future voluntary work should be more self-determined and flexible. There is particular demand for temporary, individually tailored forms of volunteering with low barriers to entry and clear appreciation.
A majority of the older population say they are socially integrated. Nevertheless, the survey shows that loneliness is an issue for a significant minority: 35 per cent of respondents experience occasional loneliness, and 7 per cent feel very lonely. Low-income and older people are particularly affected. Loneliness is not only an emotional problem, but also has a significant impact on health and well-being.
The general conditions in the canton are rated positively overall, especially in the areas of public transport, safety and meeting places. Respondents are less satisfied with the availability of age-appropriate housing: although many say they want to stay in their current home for as long as possible, only 20 per cent believe they will be able to find suitable accommodation in the canton of Zug if they move. There are also shortcomings in terms of information and participation: only a third feel well informed, and less than a quarter are aware of a central point of contact for questions relating to old age.
The results provide clear perspectives for the further development of cantonal and municipal ageing policy. These include the expansion of age-appropriate housing options, better support for family carers, coordinated information services and the targeted development of age-friendly structures. It is particularly important to maintain and promote voluntary work and to develop interventions to combat loneliness.
The ‘Zug 55 Plus’ survey was conducted on behalf of the Canton of Zug as part of the ‘Zug+’ investment programme. The aim was to create a scientifically sound basis for the cantonal strategy on ageing. The survey was developed and conducted by the research institute gfs.bern in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
All 43,500 people aged 55 and over living in Zug were invited to participate. A total of 16,754 people took part in the survey, representing a response rate of 38.5 per cent. Participation was possible online, in writing, by telephone or in person in the respondent’s home municipality. The field phase ran from April to August 2024. The data was weighted according to age, gender, nationality and municipality size and is representative of the population of residents aged 55 and over in the canton of Zug.
All details and results of the study can be found in the full report in German.
