Growing older brings many transitions. Older adults may face feelings of isolation or loneliness that can have an impact on their mental or physical health. But these aren’t an inevitable part of aging. Increasingly, staying connected is seen as vital for maintaining mental and physical health as we age. Working together, we can address the risk by building social connections. 

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.  

Resources

• Read our Global Heroes article outlining the extent and risks related to social isolation among older adults

• Download our two-page backgrounder about social isolation and loneliness among older adults

• Learn about community-based approaches from Targeting Loneliness (Manitoba)

• Learn about staying connected through social activity from Fountain of Health