Loneliness and Isolation
We all face changes as we grow older, and sometimes that can include loneliness and social isolation. Studies show loneliness and isolation affect over a quarter of Manitobans age 65+.
This can impact your quality of life, and both your physical and mental health can be at higher risk if you are lonely or isolated.
Luckily, there are steps you can take, and there are free resources available to help. Remember, feeling lonely or isolated is not an inevitable part of aging.
The Risks of Loneliness and Isolation
Research is growing that clearly demonstrates loneliness and isolation are linked to poorer health outcomes, including an increased risk of diseases such as stroke and heart disease, as well as anxiety, depression and dementia.
Loneliness and isolation pose health risks similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
What is loneliness and social isolation?
Social isolation is something we can measure, as it counts the lack of relationships with other people a person has.
Loneliness is more subjective and reflects the feelings we get when our social relationships are lacking. This can be a quantity or a quality problem, meaning for some people the quality of their social connections are lacking, and for others they aren’t connected to as many other people as they want to be.
Loneliness and isolation impact people differently. One person can be connected to many people but still feel lonely if they do not feel as close to them as they would like. Another person can have few contacts with others, but not feel lonely at all.
How common is loneliness and isolation?
Research from around the world shows more people than we might think are feeling lonely or isolated. Here in Manitoba, a recent study found that:
- 1 in 5 people aged 65 or older are socially isolated.
- 1 in 4 are lonely.
- 1 in 3 would like to participate in more social activities.
What are the signs?
It’s normal to not interact with people at times or to feel lonely once in a while. However, a temporary issue can turn into long-term social isolation or loneliness.
Consider if the following applies to you or someone around you:
- I live alone.
- I often feel lonely.
- I would like to participate in more activities with other people.
- I have limited contact with family or friends.
- I don’t have anyone I can call in an emergency.
If you answered ​‘yes’ to one or more of the statements above, it’s a sign.
What can I do?
There are several things you can do to prevent or reduce isolation and loneliness:
- Reach out to family and friends you haven’t connected with for a while.
- Consider calling 211 or visit mb​.211​.ca to help get you connected to community resources.
- Reach out to your local senior centre for advice.
- Talk to your family doctor.
Research shows that for each additional social activity an older adult participates in, there is a 43% decrease in the likelihood of that person developing a disability.
Further Reading
- Are you aware of the risk factors associated with loneliness? Click here to learn more.
- 211 Manitoba is the front door to community-based services designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, across all different aspects of life. It is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 150 languages, including 4 Indigenous languages.
- Targeting Isolation, a Manitoba-based resource website.
- Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health: Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
- Manitoba Association of Senior Communities
Dr. Routledge acknowledges the contributions of Connie Newman, Verena Menec, Lisa Tinley, Don Fletcher and Jim Hamilton to this article.