Quick Facts
According to Statistics Canada, almost 1 in 5 Canadian seniors (65+) report experiencing loneliness - Senior women are more likely to report feeling lonely than men by almost 10%
- 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors are at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness
- There are many risk factors that can contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation for older adults, such as the loss of a spouse/partner, housing situation, community location, mobility, income level, social connections, and access to transportation
- Health risks of social isolation include premature death; higher risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke; increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide; increased use of health services; and caregiver burden
- Measures to prevent loneliness and social isolation align with social determinants of health (e.g., safe housing, secure income, positive relationships, etc.)
- On PEI, the provincial government is investing in seniors’ health with programs such as Adult Day Programs, Seniors Mental Health Resource Teams, Seniors Independence Initiative, and the Seniors Navigator Program
- Additionally, seniors can reach out to community organizations like PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation, PEI Seniors College, the PEI Public Library System, and local communities for social opportunities
The Longer Story
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health describes social isolation as “having few social relationships or infrequent social contact with others” and loneliness as “the uncomfortable feeling that our social connections do not meet our needs .” It is possible for a person to have many social connections, but if they aren’t strong, that same person could feel lonely.
For simplicity, this article uses the terms social isolation and loneliness interchangeably.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) describes loneliness and social isolation within the senior population as a “serious public health risk.”
Loneliness, Social Isolation, Gender and Sexual Minorities
A 2023 report of almost 6000 Canadians by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) report noted no major differences between older Canadian men and women when it comes to reporting social isolation, it did find that senior women were more likely to report feeling lonely than senior men . It cannot be known for certain whether men experience less loneliness or if they’re just reluctant to report it.
Additionally, when median life expectancies are taken into account, women often outlive their male spouse/partner, so for women seniors in heterosexual partnerships, they might be facing a decade or more of living after their partner passes away.
The CDC acknowledges that 2SLGBTQIA+ people are at higher risk of social isolation and to experience loneliness more than their non-2SLGBTQIA+ peers. This is attributed to there being stigma around diverse sexual and gender identities within older populations.
The Government of Canada has identified the following risk factors of isolation specific to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community:
- Not being in a conjugal relationship
- Living alone
- Not having children
- Concealing sexual orientation or gender identity
- Having few social interactions
- Fear of discrimination
- Past/current discrimination
- Being HIV positive or having developed AIDS
There is currently no data for how many seniors (65+) identify as gender diverse or 2SLGBTQIA+. Some seniors may be hesitant to disclose their sexual or gender identity due to lifelong experiences with discrimination and harassment. Many of today’s seniors would have been alive when homosexuality was considered a criminal act (prior to 1969). Additionally, many people and communities were less accepting of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the 1970s and 1980s than they are today (however, it should also be recognized that this specific group still faces ongoing discrimination).
Health Risks of Loneliness
By 2036, it is estimated that up to 25% of the general population will consist of seniors; by 2038, it’s projected that 40 out of every 100 Canadians will be of senior age . This is double the number from 2013. As society evolves to include more older adults as active members of society, it’s important that seniors remain healthy, both physically and mentally. Yet, Statistics Canada estimates 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. The NIA report found that the number at risk is even higher (40% for Canadians over the age of 50).
Interestingly, older Canadian adults aged 50-79 report feeling more socially isolated (23%) than seniors over the age of 80 (9%). The theory behind this statistic is that some seniors adapt to changing situations and that by the time a senior has reached 80 years of age, they have developed new coping mechanisms to deal with loneliness. It is also speculated that, since loneliness is linked to premature death, seniors who are 80 or older experience less social isolation in their 60s and 70s. It’s also possible that people over the age of 80 are more likely to live in a communal setting, like an assisted living or long-term care facility, with structured activities.
According to the CDC and Statistics Canada, health risks of loneliness include:
- Increased chance of premature death
- 50% increased risk of dementia
- 29% increased risk of heart disease and 32% increased risk of stroke
- Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide
- Increased use of health services
- Caregiver burden
- Increased number of falls
In addition to the above, a study that examined the effects of loneliness in the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ senior population also identified the following as risks specific to this community:
- Substance abuse
- Antisocial behaviour
- Increased stress
Social isolation, then, can severely impact the quality of life for a senior. One study found that loneliness can negatively affect a senior’s health in a similar way as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Collectively, loneliness in the senior population can increase risks to overall health, resulting in increased costs in health care and social services
Preventing/Reducing Loneliness
Globally, loneliness is recognized as harmful to society, so much so that in 2018, the United Kingdom created a Minister of Loneliness, and in 2023, Japan’s parliament passed a bill to help prevent loneliness and social isolation within the population.
There are measures individuals and communities can take to help seniors experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Studies have shown that the following can contribute to lowering feelings of loneliness for the senior population:
- Good physical and mental health
- Family ties
- Stable income
- Safe housing & independent living arrangement
- Safe neighbourhood
- Ability to identify and navigate community resources
- Satisfying relationships
- Supportive social network
- Access to health services
- Having a purpose to society
- Access to transportation
Many of the preventative strategies, then, align with social determinants of health—external factors society recognizes as key influences of a person’s health (e.g., income, education).
PEI Seniors
The senior population represents one of the largest age groups in Prince Edward Island (approximately 21%, or 33,000 people as of the 2021 Census). Of this number, according to a 2021 study, at least 6,000 PEI seniors live below the poverty line. This number, plus the increased cost of living that has occurred since 2021, shows a high number of seniors on PEI at risk of loneliness and social isolation, given the link between these feelings and income.
The Government of PEI is investing in the overall health of seniors. For example, in 2024, it launched a series of micro-grants for communities wishing to host senior-friendly social meals.
Some other specific initiatives that seniors can access include:
- Adult Day Programs
- Seniors Mental Health Resource Teams
- Seniors Independence Initiative
- Seniors Navigator Program
In addition to senior-friendly programs such as these, older adults are encouraged to seek out opportunities offered through community groups like PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation, PEI Seniors College, the PEI Public Library System, and local communities for social opportunities. Volunteering is also a fantastic way to connect with others and make an impact! Older adults interested in volunteering can contact the organization that aligns with their own personal values and interests, or they can check with Volunteer PEI.
Sources
Canada Employment and Social Development. (n.d.). Social isolation toolkit: Volume 1.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). (2023, June 14). P.E.I. seniors facing food insecurity amid rising costs.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). (2023, June 19). Community meal grants aim to combat senior isolation in P.E.I..
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (n.d.). Clinical guidelines for social isolation and loneliness.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022, January 14). Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.
Statistics Canada. (2022, March 10). A look at loneliness among seniors.
Women’s College Hospital. (2021, November 15). There is a loneliness epidemic among older adults in Canada.
Published date: August 2024
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