Social Isolation

For seniors to continue and even expand their participation in society they need to remain healthy and engaged in their communities. However, research shows that an estimated 30 percent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.

According to the International Federation on Ageing, “the number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active.

Social isolation and exclusion are related to serious negative health effects and reduced quality of life for seniors. Social isolation is also linked to the undervaluing of seniors in our society6 and the loss of seniors from the volunteer sector and the paid economy.

The National Seniors Council also asserts that the social isolation of seniors can cause communities to suffer from a lack of social unity, higher social costs, and the loss of the wealth of experience that seniors bring to our families, neighbourhoods and communities.

We don’t all of a sudden become socially isolated, isolation can be a result of several factors. Many of us experience physical changes (such as sickness or disability) and life changes (such as the loss of a spouse), which can reduce the number of social contacts and limit activities. Social and environmental factors, such as poverty and inadequate transportation, may also increase a senior’s chance of becoming socially isolated.

Social isolation is different from the feeling of loneliness, though the two are often related. Loneliness is the distress that results from discrepancies between ideal and perceived social relationships. This discrepancy perspective makes it clear that loneliness is not synonymous with being alone, nor does being with others guarantee protection from feelings of loneliness. Rather, loneliness is the distressing feeling that occurs when one’s social relationships are perceived as being less satisfying than what is desired.

Social isolation can generally be recognized by others observing a person’s relationships, while loneliness is a personal experience

Social isolation can result from major events or from a combination of small events over time. How much these incidents affect people depends on the economic, personal, material and social resources that they have available to help them cope. Seniors can draw on their life experience in managing difficult times to help them with the challenges of ageing. However, too many changes, especially one after another, can make it difficult to cope.

Social isolation happens when a senior’s social participation or social contact drops. About 30 percent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. Reports by Statistics Canada estimate that 19 percent16 and 24 percent of Canadians over age 65 feel isolated from others and wish they could participate in more social activities.

The National Seniors Council’s Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors 2013–2014 states that the following factors may place seniors at risk of social isolation and loneliness:

· living alone

· being age 80 or older

· having compromised health status

· having multiple chronic health problems

· having no children or contact with family

· lacking access to transportation

· living with low income

· changing family structures

· being left behind by younger

· people migrating for work

· location of residence

· experiencing critical life transitions such as retirement, the death of a spouse, or losing a driver’s license

· lacking awareness of or access to community services and programs

· being a caregiver.

While there are many things that can put seniors at risk to become socially isolated, there are also other things that can help to ensure that seniors remain socially engaged. Protective factors, traits, situations or circumstances like these can help seniors to socially integrate and reduce the risks of social isolation:

· being in good physical and mental health

· having enough income and safe housing

· feeling safe in your neighbourhood

· having communication and literacy skills to find and get needed services

· having satisfying relationships

· having a supportive social network

· feeling connected to and valued by others

· having access to health and community services

· feeling beneficial to society

· having access to transportation

· having a higher level of education