checkout

 

https://scoop.upworthy.com/supermarkets-open-slower-chat-checkouts-to-combat-loneliness-among-the-elderly?fbclid=IwAR0dLx0IO8U-qTazPkyB-M2OrH9g18K5BaIciO4aSeQXsUHgReme5x4VG7k

Supermarkets in Netherlands have opened a slower lane at checkouts where people can chat as they buy their groceries. The aim is to combat loneliness among the elderly. The checkouts are called "Kletskassas" which translates as "chat checkouts". They follow a government initiative, the "one against lonelines" programme which aims to encourage people to find solutions for loneliness among senior citizens.

Colette Cloosterman van-Erd, CCO of supermarket Jumbo, said, "We are proud that many of our cashiers like to take a seat behind a kletskassa. They want to help people to make real contact with them out of genuine interest. It's a small gesture, but very valuable, especially in a world that is digitising and getting faster and faster."

Several stores have also set up chat corners where customers can grab a coffee and chat with neighbours. 

- what is loneliness, what does it feel like?

- why are some senior citizens feeling lonely?

- why do you think the government has called their programme "One against loneliness"?

- why do you think so many cashiers working at Jumbo want to sit behind the Kletskassa desk?

- "It's a small gesture, but very valuable." what does this mean?

- "especially in a world that is digitising and getting faster" how is the world digitising and getting faster, why might that effect senior citizens in particular?

- how do you think the kletskassa helps?

- Is there anything we can do in our community to combat loneliness?

- what can we learn from kletskassas?

- why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders.com