Updated January 30, 2025

Lloyd is 85 years old and lives by himself. He recently became a widow after his spouse passed away, so in order to cope, he joined a neighborhood walking club. Eventually, arthritis in his knees made regular walking too difficult and he stopped participating. His children and grandchildren live in another province and don’t visit often due to busy work schedules. He doesn’t feel confident using a computer, making it more difficult for him to research community resources. His social life consists of doctor’s visits, and he feels lonely and anxious most days.

Lloyd doesn’t exist, but his story is real, and could be happening to you. He’s experiencing social isolation, and it’s one of the biggest health risks faced by older adults.

Have you ever struggled to connect with others, or felt lonely? Occasionally, we all feel alone, but over long periods of time, it can have a serious impact on our well-being. Isolation comes with an increased risk of physical and mental health complications, or even external harms like abuse. While researchers in Canada and worldwide are still studying the impacts of loneliness and isolation, it is increasingly being considered a public health crisis. Among older adults, up to 1 in 3 people report feeling lonely.

However, you can avoid isolation and its associated risks!

What is Social Isolation?

Social Isolation is defined as the absence of connection between a person and the community they live in. It’s common to feel lonely when isolated, although these feelings can vary from person to person. It’s possible to feel lonely even if you have access to social support. Isolation is considered an objective state, stemming from a lack of interaction and quality time with friends, family, or other social contacts. If you don’t have access to emotional support from others or the ability to participate in leisure activities, you might be isolated.

What are the Health Risks?

Your health plays a role when it comes to isolation and loneliness. Long-term illnesses, mobility issues, mental health disorders, and societal barriers are all factors that can cause or increase the odds of isolation. In turn, isolation has been linked with a higher chance of developing more health conditions. The toll isolation takes on your health can create a difficult cycle to break, but it is possible to reduce the potential harm and stay connected.

What Can I Do to Prevent Isolation?

• Keep mobile and moving. Physical activity, especially with a group, can keep you connected and reduce the impact of health complications as you age. Try gentler or modified exercises if you live with limited mobility or pain.

• Stay socially active, too! Human beings are social animals and we all benefit from belonging to a community. Look for social groups or activity Centres, like the Active Adult Centre of Mississauga, in your community.

• Consider transportation options. If you’re unable to drive, consider other ways of getting out like carpooling, budgeting for taxis, or using public transit. (Remember, seniors can ride MiWay for $1 !)  If you have mobility or other health concerns,  consider signing up for TransHelp , door-to-door public transit for eligible residents in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga.

The Active Adult Centre of Mississauga is here to help you cope with social isolation 

• Take a look at our  Activity Guide for our wide range of classes and activities, for a wide variety of interests. 

• Why not become a member of the AACM! Along with active classes to get you moving physically, our Centre offers so much more! We host social gatherings, day travel trips, and special interest groups ranging from card games to water colour painting classes!

• Need help with navigating a computer, cell phone or other device? We offer one-on-one computer support. Unlike an entire computer course, we offer targeted help with your specific issue.
• If you can’t physically get out to the Centre, we offer members a one-on-one Telephone Reassurance Program (TRP). Our team will reach out to you directly by telephone to check-in or just have a chat.

Call us for more information at 905-615-3207, or send us an email here.