57 per cent of seniors experience loneliness: report

A new survey finds more than half of the nation’s seniors have experienced loneliness over the past year.

A new report says a number of Canadian seniors are struggling with their mental health and are in need of more social interaction.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) released their fourth annual report looking at the perspectives and expectations of Canadians aged 50 and older.

Among the report’s major findings is the fact only 56 per cent of survey respondents have positive feelings about aging compared to 62 per cent last year. It’s a drop of six per cent, the largest year-over-year change seen since the survey began in 2022.

Other highlights include the fact 57 per cent of seniors say they have or do experience loneliness over the past year and 43 per cent were at risks of social isolation.

The report also looks at barriers limiting seniors from being a part of their community, with cost and transportation being the biggest issues.

According to the NIA’s policy director, they mental health challenges can also have a negative impact on one’s physical health.

“Social isolation is akin to the kind of outcomes we see with chronic disease,” says Talia Bronstein, adding the more alone a senior becomes, the harder it can be to go out and seek care. “It can really reduce somebody’s ability to live a healthy, independent life.”

“We really need to invest in this sector to make sure that we have this robust safety net for our older adults in community.”

The reports findings do not come as a surprised to local seniors centres.

Eileen McLaughlin joined the Saint John Seniors’ Resource Center this past summer as a volunteer office manager. She says since joining the centre as a volunteer it has had a positive impact on her mental health.

“I felt like I was at least ten years younger almost as soon as I started here,” admits McLaughlin with a smile. “You need to feel good about yourself and to stay active physically as well as mentally. So, this place can mean a lot.”

The uptown Saint John location allows for a social place for seniors to interact with one another, play games, and just have the chance to socialize.

McLaughlin says most seniors either live alone or with one other person, and after years of working and being out and about that sudden change can be difficult.

“It’s good for us as seniors to be involved in community and feel like you’re still productive,” she says. “It really effects your attitude, your energy level, everything.”

It’s a shared sentiment a town over for officials at the Rothesay Hive.

Diane O’Connor plays a big role in the Hive’s activities through her title as chair of the Rothesay Age Friendly Advisory Committee. She says places like the Hive offer a place for seniors to feel like they are part of a community.

She notes many seniors don’t make a lot of money per month off programs like the Canada Pension Plan, which can also lead to isolation out of a need to save money in a world where everything is getting more expensive.

But at the Hive, memberships are only $25 for the entire year.

“It keeps my heart going as well,” O’Connor says. “Because I’ve met so many new people and I’ve made so many new friends, and I’ve enjoyed so many wonderful things.”

Another key point O’Connor points out is connecting generations. She says at the Hive they make an effort to connect seniors with other demographics which she says can be an enriching experience for all those involved.

She also has another suggestion to address loneliness both in New Brunswick and nationwide.

“Isolation is a killer, that’s why in England they have a minister of loneliness,” she notes. “We need to look at that as a country and as a province.”

Because growing older shouldn’t mean growing lonelier.

With files from CTV’s Maria Sarrouh.

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