Loneliness is quietly becoming one of the most serious public health crises in Canada. It’s more than just a matter of sadness or boredom. This quiet crisis we face is impacting the health and happiness of our aging population at an alarming rate.
Loneliness and social isolation are the absence of contact and connection. This is now recognized as a public health threat, with experts warning it can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. According to Statistics Canada, one in five Canadians report feeling lonely, and 30 per cent of seniors are at risk of social isolation. Among Canadians aged 65 and older, nearly 40 per cent reported feeling lonely sometimes.
Loneliness can impact anyone, but seniors are particularly at risk. As people age, they often face significant life changes, such as losing loved ones, retiring, dealing with illnesses, facing mobility issues, or moving to new places. These changes can quietly sever daily interactions with others, creating a wall of silence around them. Many seniors can go entire days — or even weeks — without any meaningful human contact, which can quietly damage their spirit and health
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy stated, “Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter.” Canada recently marked Loneliness Awareness Week: a reminder that social connection is not a luxury, nor is it the same as simply being alone. Every Canadian should recognize and acknowledge that we are all part of the solution to the disconnected world that may leave our seniors feeling lonely, socially isolated, or disconnected.
This growing epidemic has real consequences. Social isolation and loneliness are linked to heart disease, strokes, dementia, depression, anxiety, hypertension, and premature death. Yet Canada ranks as the loneliest of 11 developed nations, according to a 2023 Commonwealth Fund Survey. We are falling behind, even as countries like the U.K. and Japan develop national policies to address social disconnection.
The Women’s College Hospital, and more than a dozen national organizations, have launched a campaign calling on the federal government to act. Some of their recommendations include:
- Developing a national strategy to combat loneliness.
- Publicly championing the importance of social connection.
- Measuring loneliness across different populations.
- Investing in proven programs, especially for seniors, immigrants, and Indigenous communities.
The good news? We all have a role to play. Be the reason someone feels seen, heard, and valued. Make time to connect with a senior. The GenWell Project, a Canadian initiative promoting social health, reminds us to reach out to a senior in our life. A phone call could change their day and help combat social isolation among older adults. Loneliness hurts, but connection heals.
By understanding the importance of social ties, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors, and in our own. Let's make it a habit to connect with seniors, helping them live happier and healthier lives every day.
