Opportunity to Participate in a Research Study: Optimizing the Wellbeing of Solo Retirees in Canada

The Life Research Institute at the University of Ottawa is launching an innovative project to enhance the quality of life and optimize the wellbeing of solo retirees. A solo retiree is someone who has never married/partnered, is separated, divorced, or widowed, or is currently living apart from a partner and has retired from full-time employment or is nearing retirement.

The first step is a national, bilingual study that will collect data from October 1, 2025, to November 15, 2025, followed by the release of findings and evidence-based resources.

The Team would like to invite you and your network to participate in this exciting research.

You are eligible to participate in the survey if you are…

• Retired (or are soon to be retired) and solo as described above, and
• Have a primary residence in Canada, and
• Willing to share your experiences through an online questionnaire.

Your contribution to this important work requires you to …

• Complete an online survey.
• Be prepared to spend about 45 minutes answering all the questions.
• Complete the survey in one sitting, or pause and resume as often as you like, as long as you use the same device (computer, tablet, or phone) each time you log on. Each time you log in, you will pick up from where you left off previously.
• Remember, you can change your mind and quit at any time, no questions asked!

Protecting your privacy is a top priority.

• Any information you share in the survey is completely confidential.
• All information gathered will be used exclusively for research purposes.
• The research and data collection adhere to the University of Ottawa’s strict ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and safety throughout.

You are in control…

• Your participation is completely voluntary.
• The final decision about participation is yours alone.

Getting Started

• Click here to access the survey.

If you have any questions about the project, please feel free to reach out to Professors Dr. Wayne Corneil (Wayne.Corneil@telfer.uottawa.ca) or Dr. Christopher Belanger at the University of Ottawa.

We truly value the experiences and perspectives of solo retirees and believe your participation could make a meaningful difference in this important area of research.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of solo retirement.

 

About the Life Research Institute

The Life Research Institute was established to create meaningful changes in individuals’ experiences by collaborating with stakeholders from various sectors. Its primary goal is to harness the exceptional knowledge generated by uOttawa researchers and their partners to influence whether people live long, live well, and live with voice and choice.

 

About Solo Retirees

In Canada, people typically retire between their mid-50s and late 70s; however, most retire around the age of 65. Some prepare for retirement years in advance, while others leave it to the last minute.

According to the 2021 census, nearly 40 percent of people aged 65 and above are single, and approximately 70 percent live alone. That’s roughly 2 million people in Canada.

Despite the high number of solo retirees, we know little about their wellbeing, quality of life, and lived experiences. This study will capture the voice of solo retirees.

Evidence gathered in the study will provide insights into the wellbeing of solo retirees and will lead to customized retirement planning, inclusive public policies, and respectful and welcoming community programs.

 

About the Project Team

The Research Team will gather and analyze data on key areas that affect the quality of life for solo retirees, including health and wellbeing, financial security, living arrangements, access to care, social support, community living, social activities, and transportation.

The Research Team is led by University of Ottawa Life Research Institute Professors Dr. Wayne Corneil and Dr. Chris Belanger, and includes Drs. Bryan Smale and Steven Mock (University of Waterloo). The research team has extensive experience in conducting social science and epidemiological research, as well as informing public policy.

The Knowledge Activation Team will expedite research-to-practice by developing evidence-based curricula for workshops, seminars, and resource materials for seniors and soon-to-be seniors, financial advisors, social workers, community program providers, family members and caregivers, retiree associations, and retiree peer support groups.

The Knowledge Activation Team members are Nora Spinks, a consultant to business, community, labour, and government leaders, who leads innovative evidence-based solutions to address complex issues, and Suzanne Nault, an executive coach, psychologist, speaker, and author, focused on helping individuals navigate transitions in their lives, specifically retirement.