Social Isolation and Loneliness – Older Adults and Care Partners

These two terms are often found together. However, they do not mean the same thing.

• Social isolation can be understood as a measurable lack in the number of relationships a person has.
• Loneliness is more subjective and can be understood as the feeling we get when our social relationships are lacking in terms of quality or quantity compared with what we expect them to be. 

Loneliness and isolation are not an unavoidable 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 premature death.

• In Canada, older adults are facing growing rates of social isolation and loneliness. Almost 25% of people 65 years and older reported they would like to have participated in more social activities in the past year, 19% felt a lack of companionship, while 30% 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. The increased risk of death is similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. There is also an increased risk of diseases such as stroke and heart disease as well as an increased risk for 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. Some examples of social engagement include in-person or online social connections, volunteering and community participation, as well as physical activity.

• Learn about community-based approaches from Targeting Loneliness (Manitoba).
• Learn about staying connected through social activity from Fountain of Health.