Social Isolation and Loneliness

Clinical Guidelines

Discover the first guidelines on social isolation and loneliness in older adults.

Health Care Professionals

Find clinical tools and resources to support your patient or client.

Older Adults & Care Partners

Find resources and tools to support your mental health and well-being.

Tools & Resources

Explore our tools and resources for understanding and addressing social isolation and loneliness.

Trois hommes âgées

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

In Canada, older adults are facing growing rates of social isolation and loneliness. This can affect both their physical and mental health. However, loneliness and isolation are not an unavoidable part of aging. Working together, we can strengthen social connections to help maintain good health.

For more information, contact socialconnections@ccsmh.ca

Resources

  • Report cover for the Clinical Guidelines.

    Featured

    SIL Guidelines

    We developed the first Canadian clinical guidelines to support health and social service providers to assess and address social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Read our guidelines and supporting resources to learn more about the risk, impact and possible interventions to address social isolation among older adults.

Videos

  • SIL Intro Video #1 – The Basics (2025)

    In this video, we introduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults as clinical topics.

  • SIL Intro Video #2 – It Matters (2025)

    In this video, we discuss the impacts of social isolation and loneliness on the physical and mental well-being of older adults. We also discuss the value of solitude.

  • SIL Intro Video #3 – Clinical Guidelines

    In this video, we discuss the development of our clinical guidelines. We review the recommendations including prevention, assessment, and intervention.

  • SIL – 2023 CAGP-CCSMH ASM Presentation

    Watch the presentation by Dr. David Conn given at the 2023 CAGP-CCSMH Annual Scientific Meeting.

  • SIL Overview of the guidelines Webinar

    Overview of the clinical guidelines (2024), presented by Dr. David Conn, Geriatric Psychiatrist, CCSMH Co-Chair.

Social Connection Champions

Learn more about the organizations working to advance social connections for older adults.