Life & Aging

We examine trends shaping Swiss society’s lifestyle and aging, comparing them globally and offering insights on shared questions and issues.

Swiss true crimes: the child serial killer Werner Ferrari (part 2/2)

This content was published on May 9, 2025 This two-part documentary film looks back at the police investigation into the shocking story of Switzerland’s infamous child serial killer.

Our editor’s picks

After the first ‘Sarco pod’ death, will Switzerland introduce stricter rules for assisted suicide?

This content was published on Feb 6, 2025 The first death to come about using the Sarco capsule has reignited debate on whether assisted dying should be more tightly regulated in Switzerland.

"It is impossible to fully go back, neither physically nor as a person," says Chris/Nadia Brönimann.

Switzerland’s most renowned trans person no longer wants to be a woman

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Chris Brönimann became Nadia just before the turn of the millennium. Now Switzerland’s most famous transgender figure is publicly grappling with regret over that choice.

Growing old in Switzerland

The living conditions and infrastructure for older people in Switzerland are good, including the social and pension system. However, the latter is coming under increasing pressure: while life expectancy has risen significantly in recent decades, there have only been minor changes in the retirement age.

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on Life & Aging

What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices?

Switzerland is steering towards a housing crisis. Are there solutions?

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Apr 25, 2025

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Swiss true crimes: the child serial killer Werner Ferrari (part 2/2)

This content was published on May 9, 2025 This two-part documentary film looks back at the police investigation into the shocking story of Switzerland’s infamous child serial killer.

Zurich cantonal government wants to compensate victims of forced labour

Zurich cantonal government to compensate victims of forced labour

This content was published on May 8, 2025 Victims of past forced labour measures in canton Zurich could soon apply to receive a one-off solidarity compensation of CHF25,000 ($30,255).

The risk of a property bubble increased in the first quarter

Risk of a real-estate bubble in Switzerland grew in first quarter

This content was published on May 8, 2025 The risk of a bubble in the Swiss property market increased slightly in the first three months of the year compared with the previous quarter, says UBS.

Passports for sale? Golden visa schemes are residency for the rich.

Swiss Golden Visa scheme faces opposition

This content was published on May 7, 2025 Switzerland wants to snap up as many wealthy globetrotters as possible, but not everyone agrees with the methods being used.

The Basel researcher whose work triggered a longevity revolution

This content was published on May 7, 2025 Basel-based scientist Michael Hall’s discovery of the gene Target of Rapamycin has fuelled one of the fastest growing trends – longevity.

Zurich pensioner faces district court for feeding cats

Swiss pensioner in court for feeding neighbour’s cat

This content was published on May 6, 2025 A 68-year-old Swiss woman is in court in Zurich on Tuesday, accused of systematically feeding her neighbour’s cat “Leo” – a criminal offence in Switzerland – so that the cat no longer wanted to go home.

Topic focus: Assisted suicide in Switzerland

Why assisted suicide is ‘normal’ in Switzerland

In Switzerland, assisted suicide is considered a legitimate way to end your life.

To what extent do you think assisted suicide should be a legally available option to those who want to end their lives?

Switzerland legalised assisted suicide in the 1940s. More than 1,000 seriously ill or disabled people end their lives with the help of suicide assistants in Switzerland each year.

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Dec 2, 2021

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A Swiss hospice where people can die with dignity

This content was published on Dec 12, 2023 Many people want to spend their last days at home. “La Maison de Tara” in Geneva offers an alternative to hospitalisation.

Sarco, the 3D-printed suicide pod, was presented in Switzerland for the first time on July 17 in Zurich.

Why liberal Switzerland is opposed to the Sarco suicide capsule

This content was published on Jul 27, 2024 The media hype is huge. Swiss outlets have been reporting on the Sarco suicide capsule for almost all of July. However, cantonal authorities are putting up resistance.

A nurse holding the hand of an elderly woman in a nursing home.

Assisted suicide: death with dignity or ethical dilemma?

This content was published on Jul 29, 2024 Assisted suicide is considered a controversial and personal topic. Does it mean death with dignity, or does it inevitably lead to an ethical dilemma?

Actor Tilda Swinton in a scene from The Room Next Door.

How film and literature have influenced the acceptance of assisted suicide

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Powerful stories of assisted dying are etched in our collective memory. Now, a research project from Switzerland is gathering artistic works on the subject.

After the first ‘Sarco pod’ death, will Switzerland introduce stricter rules for assisted suicide?

This content was published on Feb 6, 2025 The first death to come about using the Sarco capsule has reignited debate on whether assisted dying should be more tightly regulated in Switzerland.

Detail view of a thousand Swiss franc note

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

This content was published on Feb 21, 2025 In Switzerland, all deaths through assisted suicide must be followed by a medical and legal investigation. This entails considerable costs for the state.

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National Council wants to tighten juvenile criminal law

Swiss parliamentarians want to toughen law for juvenile crimes

This content was published on May 6, 2025 The Swiss House of Representatives wants to toughen Switzerland’s juvenile criminal law.

"Baby torturer" René Osterwalder dies in Zurich prison

Notorious Swiss baby torturer takes own life in Zurich prison

This content was published on May 5, 2025 René Osterwalder, who earned notoriety as a baby torturer, has died in Pöschwies prison in Switzerland.

National Council wants to enshrine non-violent education in law

Switzerland moves to ban smacking of children

This content was published on May 5, 2025 The House of Representatives has voted to enshrine the principle of non-violent parenting in Swiss law.

Record attempt as the world's largest over-60s disco before the ESC in Basel

Basel attempts world‘s largest over-60s disco before Eurovision Song Contest

This content was published on May 4, 2025 It was billed as a world record attempt for the biggest over-60s disco of all time. But most visitors came to Basel to have fun.

Buying a house in Switzerland is getting more expensive, +4% in one year

Swiss house prices rise 4% in a year

This content was published on May 2, 2025 The cost of buying a home in Switzerland rose by 4.1% year-on-year in the last quarter and by 0.7% compared to the previous three months.

A woman holding an hourglass, with a DNA string illustration and nature scenery in the background

How Switzerland became a longevity hot spot

This content was published on May 2, 2025 People have come to Switzerland for centuries in search of the fountain of youth. How did the country become a magnet for longevity seekers?

Swiss true crimes: the child serial killer Werner Ferrari (part 1/2)

This content was published on May 2, 2025 This two-part documentary film looks back at the police investigation into the shocking story of Switzerland’s infamous child serial killer.

Longevity clinics: modern-day snake oil or the key to healthy ageing?

This content was published on May 2, 2025 Scientists have yet to find the elixir of life but this hasn’t stopped longevity clinics from selling treatments, pills and gadgets that claim to slow ageing.

Switzerland’s housing shortage: how bad is it?

This content was published on Apr 29, 2025 With high immigration and not enough new houses and flats being built, Switzerland’s housing shortage is getting worse. Just how severe is the problem?

Natural sounds help combat city noise stress

This content was published on Apr 28, 2025 Researchers have shown for the first time in Switzerland that urban greenery measurably reduces the stress levels of city dwellers.

Healthcare costs in Switzerland increased by 2.4 per cent in 2023

Swiss healthcare costs increased by 2.4% in 2023

This content was published on Apr 28, 2025 Healthcare costs in Switzerland rose by 2.4% in 2023. The Swiss healthcare system thus cost around CHF94 billion ($113 billion).

What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices?

Switzerland is steering towards a housing crisis. Are there solutions?

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Apr 25, 2025

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15 Comments

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Armies around Europe, including Switzerland, are ramping up spending

Foreign Affairs

Swiss defence industry moving abroad to escape neutrality

The start-up Sun-Ways has installed solar panels between the rails of a railway line near Buttes, canton Neuchâtel. in western Switzerland.

Climate solutions

Switzerland turns train tracks into solar power plants

Swiss Abroad

The Böögg, Switzerland’s exploding psychic snowman

Aging society

Switzerland’s housing shortage: how bad is it?

Foreign Affairs

Why the Swiss army is training for an emergency in Austria

Did you immigrate to Switzerland? What are your experiences?

What were the circumstances of your immigration to Switzerland? And what motivated your decision to stay or leave?

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Apr 1, 2025

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Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?

The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?

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Apr 25, 2025

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5 Comments

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What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices?

Switzerland is steering towards a housing crisis. Are there solutions?

Join the discussion

Apr 25, 2025

10 Likes

15 Comments

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Life & Aging

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Swiss true crimes: the child serial killer Werner Ferrari (part 2/2)

Our editor’s picks

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After the first ‘Sarco pod’ death, will Switzerland introduce stricter rules for assisted suicide?

More

Switzerland’s most renowned trans person no longer wants to be a woman

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Growing old in Switzerland

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on Life & Aging

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What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices?

Latest content of Life & Aging

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Swiss true crimes: the child serial killer Werner Ferrari (part 2/2)

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Zurich cantonal government to compensate victims of forced labour

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Risk of a real-estate bubble in Switzerland grew in first quarter

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Swiss Golden Visa scheme faces opposition

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The Basel researcher whose work triggered a longevity revolution

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Swiss pensioner in court for feeding neighbour’s cat

Topic focus: Assisted suicide in Switzerland

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Why assisted suicide is ‘normal’ in Switzerland

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To what extent do you think assisted suicide should be a legally available option to those who want to end their lives?

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A Swiss hospice where people can die with dignity

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Why liberal Switzerland is opposed to the Sarco suicide capsule

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Assisted suicide: death with dignity or ethical dilemma?

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How film and literature have influenced the acceptance of assisted suicide

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After the first ‘Sarco pod’ death, will Switzerland introduce stricter rules for assisted suicide?

More

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

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Swiss parliamentarians want to toughen law for juvenile crimes

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Notorious Swiss baby torturer takes own life in Zurich prison

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Switzerland moves to ban smacking of children

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Basel attempts world‘s largest over-60s disco before Eurovision Song Contest

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Swiss house prices rise 4% in a year

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How Switzerland became a longevity hot spot

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Swiss true crimes: the child serial killer Werner Ferrari (part 1/2)

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Longevity clinics: modern-day snake oil or the key to healthy ageing?

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Switzerland’s housing shortage: how bad is it?

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Natural sounds help combat city noise stress

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Swiss healthcare costs increased by 2.4% in 2023

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What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices?

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Swiss defence industry moving abroad to escape neutrality

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The Böögg, Switzerland’s exploding psychic snowman

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Why the Swiss army is training for an emergency in Austria

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