As a new survey shows more older Canadians feel less optimistic about ageing and experience loneliness, community groups are helping seniors to make friends and connect with others. On a snowy Wednesday morning, Michel Gosselin is making teddy bears during a crafts class at The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre on Albert Street in Ottawa. “This one will be red,” he says. Gosselin tells CTV News Ottawa he started attending programming and classes at the centre to get out of the house, learn new activities, and make friends. “Quite a few friends, and I met my future wife,” Gosselin said. “We started dating each other and here we are three years later, we’re engaged to get married,” says Yvette Price. Seniors at The Good Companions take part in various programming, including crafts, fitness classes, music, and general socializing “It’s really good,” says Price. However, a growing number of older Canadians have a less positive outlook according to new data from the National Institute on Ageing (NIA). The institute’s 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey found positive feelings about aging fell among people 50 and older, from 62 per cent in 2024 to 56 per cent last year, the steepest drop since the survey began in 2022. The report also points to persistent problems: 57 per cent reported experiencing loneliness and 43 per cent were at risk of social isolation, numbers that have not changed significantly. “I’m not too surprised. We often hear that from our members and our clients that we serve in the community,” says Matthew Ottaviani, executive director of Good Companions Centre. “They’re often looking to us as a very important safe haven for their community, their friendships that have been built here over the years and how meaningful it is for them to come to a safe place.” “It reflects very much what our membership is saying,” Anthony Pizzino, the CEO of National Association of Federal Retirees tells CTV News Ottawa. “As the study pointed out, one of the issues is affordability. The increased cost of everything from health care to transportation to housing to groceries, is actually preventing a lot of, Canadians, a lot of older Canadians from participating in social activities that would actually benefit their health and well-being” Pizzino suggests proper investments in programs need to take place, “Public pensions, ensuring that the affordability crisis is dealt with, ensuring that there is, a way, to provide the necessary health care, both primary care, long term care and home care. That aging Canadians need.” Back at the Good Companions, Gosselin offers words of wisdom for anyone wanting to get involved, “Just find a place where you feel comfortable and then stick to it and have fun with that.”
