Seniors’ Loneliness – The Health Impacts of Isolation
The Canadian Association of Retired Persons is, at its core, a community – whether hosting events, rallying for change on local issues or mobilizing on national campaigns, our Chapters are filled with members making a difference together in their communities.
Our Chapters also serve as a social outlet for older people in those communities, offering a much-needed source of connection and comfort for those who may be feeling isolated or who simply want to share their passion for advocacy and engagement with a new group of friends.
Social isolation is a serious issue when it comes to seniors and a signal of a dysfunctional society. It’s estimated that almost 30% of Canadian seniors live alone – and without strong community connections, many of these seniors suffer silently from loneliness and depression.
Loneliness can impact physical and mental well-being. Isolation can lead to depression, which in turn can further exacerbate health issues. For example, depression in older adults is tied to a higher risk of cardiac diseases. At the same time, depression reduces an older person’s ability to recover from illness.
Depression is not a typical part of aging. Yet it is estimated that 20% of older adults experience symptoms – like persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and even suicidal thoughts – and rates increase up to 40% for those in hospitals and long-term care homes.
These numbers are a warning sign of a public health crisis hiding in plain sight. The World Health Organization recently named loneliness a global health priority, urging countries to take action. And the science is clear: chronic isolation is more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
“We must start treating social connection as just as essential to healthy aging as nutrition, exercise and mental stimulation,” says GenWell’s Director of Programming Bobbie Breckenridge. “GenWell has spent nearly a decade addressing the rising tide of social isolation, disconnection and loneliness through the power of human connection.”
Community connections are a crucial tool for combating social isolation and the depression that can stem from it. In other words, a senior’s social network can positively influence good health behaviours like remaining active and keeping mentally engaged.
“Research tells us human connection benefits both physical and mental health and is the single greatest contributor to happiness as we age,” says Breckenridge. “With strong ties to friends, family, neighbours and the greater community, anxiety and depression are reduced, the immune system is strengthened, overall quality of life improves and self-confidence is boosted.”
Conversely, here are some seriously sobering stats about risk factors associated with social isolation:
- 50% risk of early death
- 32% risk of stroke
- 29% risk of heart attack
- 50% risk of dementia
- 2x risk of type 2 diabetes
GenWell delivers year-round programming across the country in workplaces, classrooms, municipalities, communities and organizations supporting older adults. Through national campaigns, workshops and practical tools, they educate Canadians about the science of social health, empower them to build meaningful relationships and catalyze everyday moments of connection.
It’s a proactive approach to well-being — one that reframes social connection as a pillar of health, just as vital as diet or exercise, and acknowledges it as essential not only for individual health and happiness, but for the well-being of our communities and society as a whole.
“We know that connection isn’t just good for us, it’s essential to aging well,” continues Breckenridge. “That’s why, this June during Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week, GenWell is inviting all Canadians to take simple steps toward one another: a phone call, a shared coffee, a kind hello or a walk. These small actions have the power to change lives.”
Because, as she says, when we make connection a daily habit, we create a ripple effect that helps entire communities age better, together.