Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Canadians and How to Address it

June, 2022
By: Laura Rodger, Natalie Iciaszczyk, Samir K. Sinha

About:

Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as important public health concerns. Globally, as well as in Canada, these issues have significant implications for the health and well-being of older persons. Older adults are at increased risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness, and are especially vulnerable to their negativeimpacts. With older persons making up a rapidly growing proportion of Canada’s population, the number of either isolated or lonely older adults is also expected to increase, meaning that both the individual and societal consequences of loneliness and social isolation are expected to become more severe.