Canada’s population is aging and society is adapting to a growing and changing population of seniors. In 2013, Canadian seniors made up approximately 15% of the total population. By 2036, this number is expected to increase to between 23 and 25%. As more Canadians become seniors, there will be proportionately fewer Canadians of working age. In 2038, there will be about 40 seniors for every 100 adult Canadians (between 18 and 64 years of age) — double the number of seniors in 2013. Seniors will likely continue to have a growing role in the labour market and the volunteer sector, which contributes to retaining knowledge and skills in the Canadian workforce, sustaining the economy, and helping community organizations function. In all, the social and economic contributions of seniors will likely be increasingly connected to the success of the entire country.
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% 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 is 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 society 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.
Everyone has a valuable contribution to make in addressing social isolation— seniors, their families, government, businesses, non-profit organizations and the voluntary sector. Some of the factors that increase social isolation can be addressed by individual action; others require community-based solutions, like transportation, physical and geographic barriers, more appropriate or accessible programs and services.
People can make a difference in their community by joining with others to develop policies and programs to improve the health and participation of seniors in society. By working together, the problems associated with social isolation can be reduced and others will be protected from becoming socially isolated. Seniors who are in good health, live in safe communities, have satisfying relationships, and experience meaningful roles in society are likely to be the most socially engaged and to remain contributing members of society.
412 Media Foundation is actively engaged in combatting Seniors Social Isolation with a variety of innovative programs to help seniors to Connect and Thrive. Contact us at info@412mediafoundation.ca if you want more information on our work to help seniors become socially more engaged.
