in canada, older adults are facing growing rates of social isolation and loneliness. this can hurt both their physical and mental health. but loneliness and isolation do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. working together, we can strengthen social connections to help maintain good health.

while the risks are serious, they are not inevitable. increased social engagement has been linked to decreased disability and a longer life expectancy. some examples of social engagement include in-person or online social connections, volunteering and community participation, as well as physical activity.

quick facts about social isolation

  • in canada, older adults are facing growing rates of social isolation and loneliness. almost 25 per cent of people 65 years and older reported they would like to have participated in more social activities in the past year, 19 per cent felt a lack of companionship, while 30 per cent were determined to be at risk of social isolation. (angus reid, 2019; national seniors council, 2014 and 2017).
  • social isolation and loneliness can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. in fact, the increased risk of death is similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. there is also higher risk of diseases such as stroke and heart disease as well as anxiety, depression and dementia.  (us surgeon general advisory, 2023).
  • small changes of increased social connection have been linked to improvements in physical and mental health.

why are older people more at risk for social isolation?

according to a 2022 report from the national institute on ageing and the rtoero foundation, older persons are at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness for many reasons, including the fact that their family is more likely to live far away, increased divorce rates and fewer intergenerational living arrangements.

when looking at the development of interventions to ease social isolation and loneliness, the report outlines four principles: intervention strategies should leverage existing community resources, such as charitable organizations; they should be designed to be socially and culturally appropriate meet the needs of specific populations; they should include older people in program design, planning, execution and evaluation; and they should target the individual, family, community/neighbourhood and social policy levels.

feelings of isolation and loneliness are not an inevitable part of aging

as we age, we face routine life transitions that can contribute to the risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely. some of us may face fewer family connections or the loss of a spouse, or fewer ways to connect with our communities. transitional life events, such as retirement, the death of family or friends, or changes in living arrangements, may contribute to the risk of social isolation and loneliness among older adults. other contributing factors can include poverty, lack of transportation, gender and sexual identity, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. 

however, it’s important to be aware of how we may be at risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely. it’s also important to know how the people we know — spouses, partners, friends, family, neighbours, community members, and professional care partners — may face these challenges.  

the canadian coalition for seniors’ mental health has resources to help you understand the impact of social isolation and loneliness, as well as tips on how to stay connected. click here to read more.