A Curriculum for Social Connection Symposium: Advancing Education on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
We are delighted to share the success of the Curriculum for Social Connection symposium, held on September 18th, 2025, at the University of Ottawa in partnership with the LIFE Research Institute. The symposium highlighted the urgent need to better prepare future professionals to recognize, prevent, and address social isolation and loneliness, drawing on the world’s first Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults, recently released by CCSMH.
Through a series of engaging panels, participants explored lived experiences and service perspectives, key recommendations from the guidelines and strategies for integrating these guidelines into curricula across diverse populations, as well as practical examples of innovative approaches already underway across Canada. The thoughtful contributions of speakers, combined with the active participation of attendees, made the event an inspiring milestone in advancing education and collaboration on this critical issue.
Looking ahead, CCSMH is building on the momentum of the symposium by developing a Curriculum Toolkit. This resource will support educators and institutions in embedding the guidelines into curricula, helping to ensure the next generation of professionals is equipped to foster healthier, more connected communities. If you are interested in learning more or receiving updates on our progress, please reach out to us at socialconnections@ccsmh.ca.
We extend our sincere thanks to all who joined us, whether in person or online, for making this important conversation both timely and impactful.