Take, for example, a visit to the citizen service, which feels completely natural for many. But for the deaf, it can be an overwhelming task. If one cannot bring a sign language interpreter to explain their purpose, many have to try to make themselves understood with pen and paper. Often, this is a solution where both nuances and comfort can easily be lost.

– It can be difficult to clarify what the inquiry is about, and often the staff do not have time to handle that kind of communication, explains consultant at the Danish Deaf Association, Josephine Anker.

Elderly deaf individuals are an overlooked group, the organization believes, and many risk isolation. As hearing individuals, one can visit the local library and enjoy a lecture or become part of the local activity center, where various presentations are arranged. But many deaf individuals do not have that opportunity. It becomes particularly challenging if one lives outside the larger cities and has a long distance to the local deaf association, where they can become part of a community.

– When one cannot communicate freely with their surroundings, it can lead to both isolation and loneliness. Therefore, communities in sign language mean a great deal. Here, one meets people who understand them – not just the language – but also life as a deaf person, says Josephine Anker, who is deaf herself and therefore is interviewed through an interpreter.

– Imagine if we had to conduct this interview without an interpreter. That is the feeling deaf individuals have every day.

In 2025, the Danish Deaf Association launched the project Live Well with support from the Health Authority. It was a special initiative aimed at deaf individuals over 65 years old, intended to prevent loneliness and counteract loss of function.

The project has just been evaluated, and the conclusion is that sign language communities are of great importance for the well-being, health, and quality of life of elderly deaf individuals. The experiences also show that the need for communities targeted at the deaf is much greater than expected.

The project has helped reduce loneliness and create new social relationships across the country. At the same time, participants have gained greater motivation to move, participate actively, and take care of their mental and physical health. Particularly, the ability to meet and communicate freely in sign language is highlighted as crucial, as stated in the evaluation.

The Danish Deaf Association has subsequently developed 'Live Well 2.0', which aims to create stronger communities for deaf individuals over 55 years old, as well as flexible job holders and disability pensioners. The project builds on the experiences from Live Well, where more than 300 participants have already been part of social activities and communities in sign language. Fonden Sol og Strand, supported by Margit and Kjeld, has funded the new project with 25,000 kroner.

– It is a donation for which we are very grateful. The funds help make it possible to create even more sign language communities around the country. Already, hiking groups have been established in several places in the country, where deaf individuals can meet for exercise, companionship, and conversations in a safe environment, says Josephine Anker.

In addition, several special conversation groups have been established, where participants can share thoughts and experiences on topics that may be difficult to discuss with others. This could involve, for example, the grief of not being able to communicate naturally with one's grandchildren or the feeling of not being understood by one's surroundings.

– It is a safe space that allows participants to articulate difficult feelings and perhaps also provide some tools for how to handle a situation where one feels excluded, says Josephine Anker.

A part of the donation will also help with transportation costs for deaf individuals living far from the nearest sign language community. For many, finances can be crucial in determining whether they can participate. Especially in smaller local communities, the distance to other deaf individuals can be significant, and some choose to forgo the community altogether because transportation becomes too expensive. This risks increasing loneliness further.

In the Danish Deaf Association, there is hope that the project can help ensure that more deaf individuals gain access to communities.

– We hope that more older deaf individuals experience how sign language communities can help break loneliness and isolation, and that they feel they are not alone, says Josephine Anker.

Facts

• The project Live Well 2.0 aims to prevent loneliness and isolation among deaf individuals over 55 years old, as well as those in flexible jobs and early retirees.
• The funds from the donation contribute, among other things, to walking groups, conversation communities, and transportation support.
• The project is conducted in sign language and is based on communities among people with shared experiences and living conditions.